ASMARA AND CHICAGO STUDENTS MEET BY TELECONFERENCE DURING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

Students during Teleconference

“It is time that interrupted them.” Students from Red Sea High School in Asmara and Hinsdale High School in Chicago enjoyed a lively teleconference on November 13, during IEW. Both groups of students had questions to ask their counterparts based on different issue. They asked such things as “Do you wear uniforms?” or “What sports do you like?” and “What does your school compound looks like?”  Some students asked about celebrities and why are they so important, and others asked about the types of music most popular at the schools. It was surprising to hear how much they had in common, like love of sports and music. The American students were amazed at the Eritrean students’ knowledge of the English language. The Eritrean students discovered, to their surprise, that much of televised wrestling is fallaciously staged for entertainment.

This half-hour teleconference opened a window on the world for both groups of students, and they are likely to continue to communicate by email.

The Red Sea students were originally to teleconference with students of High Tech High School in San Diego.  Unfortunately, due to the devastating California wildfires, the program had to be postponed.  However the Eritrean students sent a group message of concern and support to their colleagues in San Diego.

One student wrote “... you know we were really expecting the teleconference that was to take place November 13 between us, but unfortunately it couldn’t happen because of what happened to you. But hey! Don’t worry; we are very much sure of the fact that the future is going to be so much better than it is at the present, so the best thing that you must do is to be grateful for what you have and work very hard to achieve better achievements that you guys have before this fire thing happened. Therefore, be happy, just live for today, and tomorrow, and enjoy every single minute of your life, and be strong and always hope for a better thing. And, at last, we would really like to say you should always know you have friends all around the world that care about you and support you. So good luck and we wish you all the best things that can happen in this universe…”

November 14, 2007 Event

FILM DAY FOR KIDS AND ADULTS DURING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

As part of the ongoing Wednesday film series, the Public Affairs Section offered education-related films on November 14 for both youth and adults.  All audience members were told of the IEW and on-going activities.

November 15, 2007 Special Event

7^TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN CENTER DURING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK

Books displayed during the event

Early in the morning the Eritro-German auditorium was decorated with banners, paper shows, balloons, different books, magazines and hand-out literature. In addition to the IEW, the American Center celebrated its Seventh Anniversary with a festive atmosphere. Invitees started to arrive @0900 and looked around and mingled with each other until the time to start the program. The program started with a speech by the Chargê who welcomed the audience and talked about the American Center, which has been at the Eritro-German complex since November 2000. She noted that while it has limited space the materials are quite extensive and well used by the patrons.  The center is used by the public for various activities, such as computer training for the children and adults, as well as internet research. The Chargê then introduced the Center’s staff.

The Center’s director, Mrs. Berhan also made a speech on the history of the center and what services it provides.  She also said that the center is open for the public and has a reasonable collection of books and reference materials.

The Academic and Cultural Affairs Specialist, Mrs. Saba also explained the International Education Week event when it started and some of its objectives. In addition she described some of the ongoing public diplomacy programs and academic services.

The patron’s perspective came from Mr. Abel, who said that he has been using the American Center since November 2000. At the center he learned to use the internet and was able to complete his academic research papers.

At the finale of the event, the Chargê gave books to the children whose names were called in a drawing.

That afternoon, a special IEW film series was shown. “Kindergarten Cop,” and “Nutty Professor II” were well-received by the audience.  One child stated “This is awesome. Can I come again tomorrow?”