The inauguration brought together various dignitaries from the U.S. Embassy, government officials, principals of various schools and students from Nusrat Senior Secondary School and Methodist Academy among others.
The new American Corner is aimed at creating a hub for valuable information, education and cultural exchange with further objectives of transforming the American Corner into a vibrant space where the public, especially students, and teachers can access a wide range of resources, programmes and events.
In her launching statement, Ambassador Cromer said that The Gambia today is an example of a people longing for democratic freedoms and economic opportunities and of a long-term commitment to progress.
“Americans and Gambians share the same democratic values. Americans have a vibrant history, a wonderfully diverse culture and much like the people of The Gambia, an unyielding pursuit of freedom and opportunity,” U.S. top diplomat said.
“The new American Corner in The Gambia is more than a new building or a new location,” she added, noting it is a living symbol of the enduring friendship that unites our two nations. “It will serve, as it has in the past, as a dynamic platform where the core values and cherished traditions of America and The Gambia come to life, ready to be explored, shared, and celebrated.”
“The Fajara American Corner complements our American Corner in Bundung, which continues to thrive thanks to our partnership with Africell. There, we focus on STEM and have many exciting education programmes, including a course on 3-D printing for young people,” she revealed.
Prof. Pierre Gomez, the minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said: “The establishment of this library, which has been made possible through the collaborative endeavours of the esteemed American Embassy, serves as a powerful representation of our unwavering dedication to the advancement of education, promotion of literacy, and the reinforcement of the shared principles that unite our nations.”
He added that the American Corner exemplifies the essence of intellectual inquisitiveness, offering a haven for knowledge acquisition, investigation, and the interchange of thoughts and concepts.
“Libraries play a crucial role in promoting equity and inclusivity by providing individuals with an equal opportunity to access a wealth of information and knowledge, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds or varying socio-economic circumstances,” Prof Gomez said.
According to Minister Gomez, these spaces serve as a unifying platform for communities, where the rich tapestry of history intertwines with the present, and where the foundation for a promising future is laid.
“The establishment known as the American Corner, serving as a symbol of the lasting camaraderie between our nations, shall assume a crucial function in cultivating the cognitive development of individuals, advancing intercultural comprehension, and cultivating a spirit of togetherness within our society,” he noted.
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