01 Nov 2015

The American Embassy, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, (MYSC) have launched the American corner at the Maun Public Library and donated books and computers to cultivate an informed nation.

The embassy has upgraded the Internet connection, procured computers and IT equipment, secured cameras, PA system, DVD player and increased the amount of reading materials and magazines.

The embassy and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS) signed an agreement last year to establish an American space to promote mutual understanding between the people of Botswana and the United States.

Speaking during the launch, the American Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Earl Miller said the corner was a symbol of their commitment to Botswana.  

He said the corner at the Maun library would be part of an important programme called American Spaces, which was established in 1927.

He noted that there were more than 850 American spaces in 169 countries worldwide.

He said the spaces exemplify the US commitment to people’s right to free access to information.

“We believe this right is a core tenet of democracy as the spaces promote dialogue, research, learning and help build bridges of understanding between our two countries and between Botswana and the world,” he said. 

Mr Miller also noted that the spaces provide a welcoming environment where visitors could learn about the US.

He added that residents of Maun would now have access to information on their policies and goals. 

The embassy, he said, would work hand in hand with the library staff to organise monthly workshops, public lecturers and other educational events. In addition, he said they would bring American speakers, artists and entrepreneurs to engage with the people of Maun on issues of interest to both nations.

Mr Miller said many of the events would take place in partnership with the Poetavango Spoken Word organisation.For his part, the MYSC permanent secretary, Mr Lewis Malikongwa commended the ambassador for their generous contribution to the development of the library and the Maun community.

Mr Malikongwa noted that collaboration between BNLS and the embassy started a decade ago.

He said both have managed to sustain the relationship and even developed it to a higher level.

Mr Malikongwa said in the past their collaboration was once in a while donations of resources such as books, computers and kindles, adding that the most popular programme at the time was the Martin Luther King essay writing competition.

He said the competitions were ideal as they involved a number of schools across the country. Ends