Opening of the American Corner of Lome

Ambassador Dunn and President of UL inaugurate the American Corner of Lome campus.

In celebration of International Education Week, the U.S. Ambassador to Togo, Mr. David B. Dunn, and the President of the University of Lome, Professor K. Ahadzi-Nonon, inaugurated the American Corner of the University library on November 16, 2007. The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer, the personnel of the Public Affairs Section, researchers, teachers, students, and the local press attended the ceremony.

Ambassador Dunn said he was happy that the Embassy was able to offer thematic books and communication tools to help students and professors research on various topics related to life in the United States. Mr. Dunn informed the audience that the American Corner program began in the early 2000 in Eastern Europe with the objective of maintaining a permanent dialogue and mutual understanding between the American people and the people of the host country: “Conceived as flexible structures, American Corners work in partnership with the local authorities and institutions. The function of an American Corner is to make available to the public up to date and reliable information on the United States, especially on its economy, its educational, political and social life”. The Ambassador also stated that the American Corner will host various educational and cultural activities such as workshops led by experts who answer questions pertaining to the U.S. economy, policies, or society. The American Corner will also provide a venue for various Digital Video Conferences (DVCs) with colleagues in the U.S, as well as conferences to discuss topics of national interest, projection of American movies, and book debates.

In their speeches, the director of the University Library and the President of the University of Lome expressed their gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for opening an American Corner on the campus. University President, Mr. Ahadji-Nonon stated that he hoped that the exchange programs between the U.S. and Togolese universities will increase. The opening ceremony was followed by a presentation on the various exchange programs and scholarships offered by the U.S, namely the Fulbright, Humphrey, and African Research Programs.

The U.S. Embassy equipped the University of Lome American Corner with audiovisual equipment, chairs, and bookshelves, as well as DVC material.