U.S. Embassy opens American Corner Salelologa

The U.S. Embassy in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture launched earlier today the American Corner Salelologa.

The U.S. Embassy, the Ministry, and students gathered to witness this milestone as Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa Tom Udall and Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Honorable Seuula Ioane cut the ribbon to open the new Corner.

“The opening of the American Corner in Salelologa will serve as a platform on which we can continue to build upon our strong friendship and as a physical reminder of our Embassy’s commitment to continued engagement between the people of the United States and Samoa,” said Ambassador Udall.

This is the second American education focused space to open in Samoa, the first was officially opened at the Nelson Memorial Public Library in October 2010.

As with the American Corner in Apia, this new space will be operated by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture with the U.S. Embassy providing support on programs include information on studying in the United States, reading and numeracy, English tutorials, and highlighting special events such as world earth day, autism day, and literacy and education week.

“This American Corner will have a positive impact on the community as well as continue to promote education, literacy and numeracy. It will bridge the gap between students in Samoa and the world by providing access to information,” said Honoroable Seuula Ioane.

“This American Corner now joins the more than 650 American spaces globally in 150 countries worldwide,” said Ambassador Udall.

The American Corner Salelologa is fully furnished with trapezoid desks, chairs, bookshelves, reading materials, smart-tv, printer, scanner, whiteboard, reading kindles, 5 new computers, and free internet. All these resources will assist the Ministry to facilitate programs as well as encourage students to read, learn, and explore different worlds and ideas through books.