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American Embassy gives out books to Zanzibar university
2008-05-03 09:30:17
By Guardian Reporter
The US embassy in the country has donated 85 titles of books worth USD 5,000 to the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) as part of the ongoing programme to maintain and upgrade the university`s American Corner minilibrary.
A statement issued yesterday by the US embassy in Dar es Salaam said the donated books were for various subjects that cater for the needs of SUZA faculty, students and the public at large.
The new consignment of books donated replenishes the American Corner`s collection of books.
The minilibrary also provides information about the US through supervised access to the internet, audio and video products, CD-ROMs and periodicals, the statement said.
The Corner also provides a meeting space for interactive programmes to Zanzibaris whereby community leaders, journalists, professionals, students and concerned citizens exchange views with local or American experts in various subjects.
The corner also has installed internet connected computers which are used by patrons to do their research work.
The Corner was inaugurated on July 13, 2006, by former US ambassador Michael Retzer.
``The idea behind the American Corners initiative was simple: My government feels that the more information we share with people around the world, the better we will understand each other. When we understand each other, we respect and learn from each other, and the world is a better place,`` Retzer said in the statement.
The Corner, which is the first of its kind to be established in Tanzania, is also open to the public and it is free of charge.
Due to the success and benefits gained from this first American Corner, a second Corner in the country will be opened in Pemba soon.
The SUZA American Corner is the ninth in East Africa.
Others are located in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. There are nearly 400 American Corners around the world.
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