The American Cultural Center hosts University of Koudougou English Club

On May 12, 2008, twenty (20) members of the English Club of the University of Koudougou came to visit the American Cultural Center at the US Embassy in Ouagadougou.  They were hosted by the American Language Center (ALC) Director, Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo.  During the course of the visit, the English club visited and toured the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and had information sessions on educational advising services and also the Fulbright and Humphrey exchange programs.  Ms Ouedraogo and the English club members discussed possible future collaborative projects.  Ms Ouedraogo also agreed to help the club by sharing resources with them to help improve their English language skills.  The Club members were treated to a short film show and each participant received several publications in English.  This program reinforced U.S. support for outreach to young audiences.  These students expressed a vivid interest in improving their English language skills, knowing that this is a key to their future success in the job marketplace, whether domestic or abroad.  They also repeatedly expressed their desire to understand more about the USA and American culture and values.  The ALC addressed these needs by sharing resources and information with this student group through information sessions, film, print materials, and discussions.  The ALC will continue to work with the University of Koudougou English club by sharing resources and planning joint activities with their club as well as linking them to English clubs at the other major universities in Burkina Faso.  This program demonstrated American commitment to promoting mutual understanding through sharing American culture and the English language.  The English club members were very pleased with their visit and were anxious to begin planning future projects in collaboration with the ALC and the American Cultural Center.