press releases
The first “American Corner” in Zambia opens at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation - Kitwe
June 14, 2005 |
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U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Martin Brennan on June 14 joined
Copperbelt Provincial Minister Honorable Mr. Chilufya Kazenene and
Director of Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation Reverend Canon Charley
Thomas, in officially opening the first American Corner in Zambia at
the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation, Kitwe.
The American Corner in
Kitwe was established by the U.S. Embassy at a cost of $50,000. An
American Corner is a resource center designed for anyone who wants to
learn more about American society and culture. It offers an extensive
book, periodical, and video collection, covering topics as diverse as
English teaching, student advising, literature, American business, and
government. The American Corner offers free Internet access and also
other equipment to help in meeting the needs of users.
The
U.S. Embassy chose to place the first American Corner in Zambia in
Kitwe because the Copperbelt is Zambia’s second-largest population
base. The American Corner is designed to serve all the people on the
Copperbelt and the surrounding provinces, including university and high
school students, professionals, businessmen and women, and any
community member who wants to gain a better understanding of the United
States, its culture and society.
The American Corner staff
will arrange speaker programs, including speakers brought in from the
U.S., staff from the U.S. Embassy, American and Zambian Fulbright
scholars, and Americans resident in Zambia, such as Peace Corps
volunteers, missionaries, or businesspeople. Copperbelt-based alumni of
American exchange programs, such as Fulbright and the International
Visitor program, and graduates of American universities and programs
will generally take an active role in American Corner programming. The
facility will serve them as a venue for intellectual discussions and
networking.
Other public events at the American Corner might
include an American film series, video screenings, or book and movie
discussion clubs. The American Corner can even be used for educational
advising and for exhibitions.
Over two hundred American Corners
have opened throughout the world already – from Rwanda to Russia to
Malaysia. Each of these Corners is a partnership between an American
Embassy and a local institution. We are deeply grateful to the Mindolo
Ecumenical Foundation for hosting the American Corner.
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