Launch of American Space at Maun public library

Correspondent | Thursday November 5, 2015 15:28

Local, regional, and national officials attended the launch, including the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, artists from the Maun International Poetry Festival, and media representatives.  Ambassador Miller and the PS Lewis Ntabeni Malikongwa gave keynote remarks. 

The American Space partnership in Botswana between the US Embassy and BNLS, which was formalized with a Memorandum of Agreement in September 2014, has entailed donations of books and technical equipment, a strengthened internet connection, and security upgrades at the Maun Public Library. In addition, earlier this year members of the Maun-based NGO and close US Embassy partner, Poetavango, designed and painted a colorful outdoor mural focused on priority areas of mutual interest between the US and Botswana, which was revealed at the launch.

In the future, the American Space partnership in Botswana will encompass professional development exchanges for librarians and officials, further donations of books and technical equipment, and monthly activities of interest to Botswana and the United States, including presentations and workshops on wildlife and tourism, business and entrepreneurship, global health, English language learning and teaching, and information on education and professional development opportunities in the United States.

At the launch Ambassador Miller stated, “American Spaces exemplify the United States’ commitment to people’s right to free access to information. We believe this right is a core tenet of democracy. American Spaces promote dialogue, research and learning, and help build bridges of understanding between our two countries, and between Botswana and the world.

This new center at the Maun Public Library is a symbol of US commitment to our enduring relationship with Botswana.” PS Malikongwa stated, “The collaboration has now resulted in the American Corner Maun whose objectives and benefits are embedded in the mission of my Ministry and indeed encapsulated in one of the National Vision pillars which is coming to an end next year, at which time the nation will be a knowledgeable society.”

With over 850 Spaces in 169 countries worldwide, American Spaces provide welcoming environments where visitors can connect and learn about the United States. Hosted in embassies, schools, libraries, and other partner institutions worldwide, American Spaces are platforms for providing information about the United States, its policy, culture, and values; English language learning; alumni activities, and information about study in the US.