Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ATHENS58
2009-01-16 12:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Athens
Cable title:
FY 2009 Request for Sustaining Funds-American Corners
how-toVZCZCXRO8872 RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHTH #0058/01 0161250 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 161250Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY ATHENS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3031 INFO RUEHIK/AMCONSUL THESSALONIKI 2003 RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ATHENS 000058
SIPDIS
STATE FOR IIP/IR BCONATY, EUR/PPD MCROUCH,
EUR/CARC BHUNT, EUR/PPD, SALTMAN-WINANS, EUR/PPD LHELLING
ROME FOR IRO LHOHMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP KIRC GR
SUBJECT: FY 2009 Request for Sustaining Funds-American Corners
Greece
ATHENS 00000058 001.2 OF 003
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ATHENS 000058
SIPDIS
STATE FOR IIP/IR BCONATY, EUR/PPD MCROUCH,
EUR/CARC BHUNT, EUR/PPD, SALTMAN-WINANS, EUR/PPD LHELLING
ROME FOR IRO LHOHMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP KIRC GR
SUBJECT: FY 2009 Request for Sustaining Funds-American Corners
Greece
ATHENS 00000058 001.2 OF 003
1. Introduction and Summary: Embassy Athens requests $58,340 in
FY09 funds to strengthen programs at the six American Corners (ACs)
in Greece: Xanthi (northeastern Greece),Veria (northwestern
Greece),Sparta (southern Greece),Corfu (western Greece),the
Hellenic American Union (HAU) in central Athens, and the American
Corner in the wider Athens municipality of Nea Philadelphia.
Requested funds will be used for participation of AC Directors in a
regional training workshop organized by IRO Laura Kaspari-Hohmann; a
series of storytelling presentations and workshops at Veria, Xanthi,
Nea Philadelphia, and Sparti; speaker programming; book orders; and
equipment upgrades. All our ACs and their programming specifically
fit into Post's PD program through outreach to diverse, critical
audiences, including youth and Muslims; and by ensuring that popular
English Language teaching materials are widely available in the
major regions of Greece. End Introduction and Summary.
2008 Achievements: Integration and Sustainability
2. Post continues to coordinate ACs with Mission priorities and
other PAS programs -- specifically, English language projects,
outreach to youth and USG exchange alumni, and educational advising.
Despite budget constraints, Post has managed to bring native
English-speaking visitors to most Corners. Beginning in the fall of
2008, Post initiated an Embassy speakers' program whereby we bring
Embassy representatives to ACs to conduct programming and outreach
to Greek youth. Post is also planning to use technology to
supplement and improve AC programming and administration. For
example, Post is planning to launch a Facebook page administered by
the IRC to connect all American Corners and t reach out to youth
through this increasingly popular application. Also, the IRC intends
to organize web chats bringing together American elementary schools
and junior high schools with groups of young Greeks using the
facilities of the American Corners. The successful ECO Fan Club of
the Hellenic American Union open to young people aged 7 to 15,
combining fun with learning activities and environmental action,
will be the first group to communicate with their American peers
through the AC in the HAU.
3. On September 29, Post organized a workshop for AC directors; one
of the outcomes of that workshop is that ACs have taken a renewed
interest in programming and have also made progress in establishing
regular reporting mechanisms, and coordinating with the Embassy on
programs. It is worth mentioning that a successful English language
program initiated by the IRC is reaching out to Greek youth using as
venues not only high schools, but also the network of the six
American Corners. The Greek Ministry of Education continues to be
very supportive of this program, although it is unable to contribute
financially.
4. The American Corners in Nea Philadelphia and Corfu still face
some administrative problems. The AC in Corfu suffered the sudden
death of the library director (who also served as AC coordinator in
2008). However, both Corners have demonstrated renewed commitment to
meeting program goals. We are also making considerable headway with
the new director of the Cultural Center in New Philadelphia (who
also supervises the municipal library and the AC),who has promised
to be more cooperative than his predecessor.
2008 Statistics and Data
5. In 2008, the American Corners in Greece recorded the highest
numbers of visitors and programs since the beginning of their
operation:
-- 18,182 visitors, 17,100 of whom were youth
-- 37 programs total, 5 of which were offsite
More specifically, the following programs are worth mentioning:
-- Corfu American Corner: Innovative multimedia approach including
book reading, theatrical play and film showing to celebrate the
birthday of Mark Twain (January 2008),attendance: 85.
-- Hellenic American Union: Interactive lecture combined with
trivia contest and film showing to commemorate Black History month
(February 2008),attendance: (80). Movie Night with the Muppet
Christmas Carol film (December 2008),attendance: 40.
-- Sparti American Corner: Presentation of Black American Music
covering its various music styles and how it contributed to world
music (March 2008),attendance: 90.
-- Nea Philadelphia American Corner: Greek American Fulbrighter
connects with students and teachers in an interactive presentation
on marine biology (May 2008),attendance: 50.
-- Veria American Corner: Trivia contest for young library users
becomes one of the most popular summer programs attracting more than
ATHENS 00000058 002.2 OF 003
hundred school children (June 2008),attendance: 40.
-- Xanthi American Corner: Movie Night to commemorate Black History
Month with screening of videotape "The March to
Washington."(February 2008),attendance: 80. Book exhibit and paper
show display on the environment at city of Xanthi major annual event
attracting many hundreds young visitors at the International
Children's Day.
Audience reached: As a general remark, this year all six American
corners witnessed a big increase of younger audience ages 12 - 16
both in checking out books and using the reference services but also
in program attendance. The average number of young people attending
an AC program was 50 - 60 attendees.
Most popular materials: The 2008 Earth Day poster, the U.S.
Elections/Civics Set of 48 titles, the 2008 Black History Month
newsletter prepared by the Athens IRC. Also two IIP electronic
journals (Dynamic English and World Youth: Building a Future)
recorded wide distribution in all six American corners (over two
hundred copies per AC).
Details for each Corner are included in the spreadsheet being sent
via email.
6. There have been several successful programs this past year. On
December 14, the American Corner in Xanthi hosted an outstanding
performance of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" by 20 junior high school
students. The students, who attend a regional public school,
rehearsed for two months with their English teacher, who organized
and directed the play. The performance attracted an enthusiastic
crowd which included the Mayor of Xanthi, Ministry of Education
representatives, English language teachers, students and parents.
7. On October 3, IRO Laura Kaspari-Hohmann gave a lecture at Ionian
UniQ!QQ)QQ D)brary School to a group o& QQQQ Q"QQaries are facing today.
8. On October 1, the American Corner at the Hellenic American Union
hosted a lecture by Joseph Lambert, CEO of the Center for Digital
Storytelling. Lambert presented the history and practice of his art
to approximately 60 librarians and educators. From October 2 - 3,
Lambert organized a workshop in the American Corner in Veria with a
digital storytelling program. A group of 5 members of the library
staff and 10 library users participated in the workshop. The
Embassy's youth-oriented website, Mosaiko.gr, hosted an original
interview with Lambert, promoting the program to its wide youth
audience.
Media Coverage
9. Most ACs received good to very good local media coverage in 2008.
There was significant coverage of all programs on the HAU and Veria
Public Central Library websites. Our own Mosaiko.gr extensively
covered the programs of all 6 American Corners in Greece.
Visits and Training
10. Every American Corner was visited at least once by a Mission
staff member in 2008. PD staff visits to the ACs country-wide
numbered at least 20 in 2008.
11. On September 29, the Athens Information Center hosted a workshop
with the coordinators from the six existing American Corners in
Greece. Discussions included brainstorming sessions on programming,
potential speakers, marketing, and new media. We discussed the
Embassy's Mosaiko.gr website, the IRC's English Language Program,
and, through a DVC connection with Washington, AC Coordinator
Barbara Conaty informed the participants about the latest
developments in the AC program from Washington.
Core Characteristics of Corners
12. Details for each AC are included in the spreadsheet sent via
e-mail.
2008 Sustaining Funds Report
13. In 2008, Post received
$22,995.13 FY008 sustaining funds from Washington which were used as
follows:
A. Paper shows for 6 ACs: $277.95 each. Total: $1,667.71
B. Books for 6 ACs: $2.277.90 each. Total: $13,643.42
ATHENS 00000058 003.2 OF 003
C. $5,000.00 grant to the Veria Public Library for a speaker on
Digital Storytelling Workshop
D. $2,684.00 for an AC director's workshop training in Athens
Total: $22,995.13
14. In 2008, Post allocated $4,450 to support the AC program in
Greece.
2009 Sustaining Funds Request
15. Post requests $58,340 in sustaining funds for FY09 to
address AC needs as follows:
A. Periodicals for 6 Corners: $800 each, total: $4,800
B. Books and DVDs for 6 Corners: $5,000 each, total: $30,000
C. Story Telling presentations/workshops in Nea
Philadelphia/Sparti/Veria/Xanthi including travel expenses for one
escort: $6,700
D. Regional training workshop/travel of Corner Directors: $6,840
E. Speaker programming: $4,000
F. Operating expenses (photocopying, mailing, etc.): $1,000
G. Purchase of 6 television sets and 6 DVD players plus one computer
and one printer: $5,000
H. Combined Request for 6 Corners: $58,340
Technology Needs
16. Equipment upgrades are an important part of this year's
sustaining funds grant request. We would like to purchase new
televisions and DVDs for all our Corners that do not yet have them
(Corfu, HAU, Nea Philadelphia),and to replace dilapidated or
damaged equipment in Corners that do (Sparti, Xanthi, Veria). This
equipment is vital for holding movie nights, which are among the
most popular and easiest-to-organize activities conducted at the
ACs. In addition, the AC in Xanthi needs a new computer, and one
printer to support administrative, communication and programming
needs.
Plan for the future, Strategy for improvement
17. A key component for 2009 programming will be the reinforcement
of English Language Teaching (ELT) activities. Facilitated by
advisors from the Greek Ministry of Education and Fulbright, IRC
specialists will continue to organize meetings with English language
teachers of primary and secondary education to promote the wealth of
EL materials available that offer "American content." Post also
plans to integrate AC programs into its Embassy Speakers Bureau to
encourage Mission personnel to speak while visiting cities hosting
American Corners.
18. Of special note is a series of workshops and presentations at
four American Corners by a storyteller. After two successful
presentatins at the HAU and Nea Philadelphia ACs by artist Linda
Gorham in 2006, there is a desire to extend this program to the rest
of the ACs in Veria, Xanthi, and Sparti, and to conduct workshops
for English language teachers in Athens (Nea Philadelphia) and
Thessaloniki. Out of a two-week program (twelve program days),
Linda Gorham will be scheduled for 6 program days in 4 ACs. The
remaining four program days will take place in Greek elementary and
high schools and the cost will be covered with Post funds.
19. Post also hopes to participate in a regional training program
for AC directors in southern Europe, organized by IRO Laura
Kaspari-Hohmann. The goal is to share best practices and discuss
efforts to further support and energize AC programming. This
program will highlight successes, discuss other new ideas, and
encourage the AC directors of this region to further develop a
network amongst themselves.
Compliance issues
20. All six American Corners were established with MOUs signed by
the Embassy and the host institution, and all are posted on the AC
Central database. The records are complete and up-to-date. Each AC
is in compliance with core characteristics. Details are available
on request.
21. Post's IRO has reviewed this plan and concurs.
SPECKHARD
1
SIPDIS
STATE FOR IIP/IR BCONATY, EUR/PPD MCROUCH,
EUR/CARC BHUNT, EUR/PPD, SALTMAN-WINANS, EUR/PPD LHELLING
ROME FOR IRO LHOHMANN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP KIRC GR
SUBJECT: FY 2009 Request for Sustaining Funds-American Corners
Greece
ATHENS 00000058 001.2 OF 003
1. Introduction and Summary: Embassy Athens requests $58,340 in
FY09 funds to strengthen programs at the six American Corners (ACs)
in Greece: Xanthi (northeastern Greece),Veria (northwestern
Greece),Sparta (southern Greece),Corfu (western Greece),the
Hellenic American Union (HAU) in central Athens, and the American
Corner in the wider Athens municipality of Nea Philadelphia.
Requested funds will be used for participation of AC Directors in a
regional training workshop organized by IRO Laura Kaspari-Hohmann; a
series of storytelling presentations and workshops at Veria, Xanthi,
Nea Philadelphia, and Sparti; speaker programming; book orders; and
equipment upgrades. All our ACs and their programming specifically
fit into Post's PD program through outreach to diverse, critical
audiences, including youth and Muslims; and by ensuring that popular
English Language teaching materials are widely available in the
major regions of Greece. End Introduction and Summary.
2008 Achievements: Integration and Sustainability
2. Post continues to coordinate ACs with Mission priorities and
other PAS programs -- specifically, English language projects,
outreach to youth and USG exchange alumni, and educational advising.
Despite budget constraints, Post has managed to bring native
English-speaking visitors to most Corners. Beginning in the fall of
2008, Post initiated an Embassy speakers' program whereby we bring
Embassy representatives to ACs to conduct programming and outreach
to Greek youth. Post is also planning to use technology to
supplement and improve AC programming and administration. For
example, Post is planning to launch a Facebook page administered by
the IRC to connect all American Corners and t reach out to youth
through this increasingly popular application. Also, the IRC intends
to organize web chats bringing together American elementary schools
and junior high schools with groups of young Greeks using the
facilities of the American Corners. The successful ECO Fan Club of
the Hellenic American Union open to young people aged 7 to 15,
combining fun with learning activities and environmental action,
will be the first group to communicate with their American peers
through the AC in the HAU.
3. On September 29, Post organized a workshop for AC directors; one
of the outcomes of that workshop is that ACs have taken a renewed
interest in programming and have also made progress in establishing
regular reporting mechanisms, and coordinating with the Embassy on
programs. It is worth mentioning that a successful English language
program initiated by the IRC is reaching out to Greek youth using as
venues not only high schools, but also the network of the six
American Corners. The Greek Ministry of Education continues to be
very supportive of this program, although it is unable to contribute
financially.
4. The American Corners in Nea Philadelphia and Corfu still face
some administrative problems. The AC in Corfu suffered the sudden
death of the library director (who also served as AC coordinator in
2008). However, both Corners have demonstrated renewed commitment to
meeting program goals. We are also making considerable headway with
the new director of the Cultural Center in New Philadelphia (who
also supervises the municipal library and the AC),who has promised
to be more cooperative than his predecessor.
2008 Statistics and Data
5. In 2008, the American Corners in Greece recorded the highest
numbers of visitors and programs since the beginning of their
operation:
-- 18,182 visitors, 17,100 of whom were youth
-- 37 programs total, 5 of which were offsite
More specifically, the following programs are worth mentioning:
-- Corfu American Corner: Innovative multimedia approach including
book reading, theatrical play and film showing to celebrate the
birthday of Mark Twain (January 2008),attendance: 85.
-- Hellenic American Union: Interactive lecture combined with
trivia contest and film showing to commemorate Black History month
(February 2008),attendance: (80). Movie Night with the Muppet
Christmas Carol film (December 2008),attendance: 40.
-- Sparti American Corner: Presentation of Black American Music
covering its various music styles and how it contributed to world
music (March 2008),attendance: 90.
-- Nea Philadelphia American Corner: Greek American Fulbrighter
connects with students and teachers in an interactive presentation
on marine biology (May 2008),attendance: 50.
-- Veria American Corner: Trivia contest for young library users
becomes one of the most popular summer programs attracting more than
ATHENS 00000058 002.2 OF 003
hundred school children (June 2008),attendance: 40.
-- Xanthi American Corner: Movie Night to commemorate Black History
Month with screening of videotape "The March to
Washington."(February 2008),attendance: 80. Book exhibit and paper
show display on the environment at city of Xanthi major annual event
attracting many hundreds young visitors at the International
Children's Day.
Audience reached: As a general remark, this year all six American
corners witnessed a big increase of younger audience ages 12 - 16
both in checking out books and using the reference services but also
in program attendance. The average number of young people attending
an AC program was 50 - 60 attendees.
Most popular materials: The 2008 Earth Day poster, the U.S.
Elections/Civics Set of 48 titles, the 2008 Black History Month
newsletter prepared by the Athens IRC. Also two IIP electronic
journals (Dynamic English and World Youth: Building a Future)
recorded wide distribution in all six American corners (over two
hundred copies per AC).
Details for each Corner are included in the spreadsheet being sent
via email.
6. There have been several successful programs this past year. On
December 14, the American Corner in Xanthi hosted an outstanding
performance of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" by 20 junior high school
students. The students, who attend a regional public school,
rehearsed for two months with their English teacher, who organized
and directed the play. The performance attracted an enthusiastic
crowd which included the Mayor of Xanthi, Ministry of Education
representatives, English language teachers, students and parents.
7. On October 3, IRO Laura Kaspari-Hohmann gave a lecture at Ionian
UniQ!QQ)QQ D)brary School to a group o& QQQQ Q"QQaries are facing today.
8. On October 1, the American Corner at the Hellenic American Union
hosted a lecture by Joseph Lambert, CEO of the Center for Digital
Storytelling. Lambert presented the history and practice of his art
to approximately 60 librarians and educators. From October 2 - 3,
Lambert organized a workshop in the American Corner in Veria with a
digital storytelling program. A group of 5 members of the library
staff and 10 library users participated in the workshop. The
Embassy's youth-oriented website, Mosaiko.gr, hosted an original
interview with Lambert, promoting the program to its wide youth
audience.
Media Coverage
9. Most ACs received good to very good local media coverage in 2008.
There was significant coverage of all programs on the HAU and Veria
Public Central Library websites. Our own Mosaiko.gr extensively
covered the programs of all 6 American Corners in Greece.
Visits and Training
10. Every American Corner was visited at least once by a Mission
staff member in 2008. PD staff visits to the ACs country-wide
numbered at least 20 in 2008.
11. On September 29, the Athens Information Center hosted a workshop
with the coordinators from the six existing American Corners in
Greece. Discussions included brainstorming sessions on programming,
potential speakers, marketing, and new media. We discussed the
Embassy's Mosaiko.gr website, the IRC's English Language Program,
and, through a DVC connection with Washington, AC Coordinator
Barbara Conaty informed the participants about the latest
developments in the AC program from Washington.
Core Characteristics of Corners
12. Details for each AC are included in the spreadsheet sent via
e-mail.
2008 Sustaining Funds Report
13. In 2008, Post received
$22,995.13 FY008 sustaining funds from Washington which were used as
follows:
A. Paper shows for 6 ACs: $277.95 each. Total: $1,667.71
B. Books for 6 ACs: $2.277.90 each. Total: $13,643.42
ATHENS 00000058 003.2 OF 003
C. $5,000.00 grant to the Veria Public Library for a speaker on
Digital Storytelling Workshop
D. $2,684.00 for an AC director's workshop training in Athens
Total: $22,995.13
14. In 2008, Post allocated $4,450 to support the AC program in
Greece.
2009 Sustaining Funds Request
15. Post requests $58,340 in sustaining funds for FY09 to
address AC needs as follows:
A. Periodicals for 6 Corners: $800 each, total: $4,800
B. Books and DVDs for 6 Corners: $5,000 each, total: $30,000
C. Story Telling presentations/workshops in Nea
Philadelphia/Sparti/Veria/Xanthi including travel expenses for one
escort: $6,700
D. Regional training workshop/travel of Corner Directors: $6,840
E. Speaker programming: $4,000
F. Operating expenses (photocopying, mailing, etc.): $1,000
G. Purchase of 6 television sets and 6 DVD players plus one computer
and one printer: $5,000
H. Combined Request for 6 Corners: $58,340
Technology Needs
16. Equipment upgrades are an important part of this year's
sustaining funds grant request. We would like to purchase new
televisions and DVDs for all our Corners that do not yet have them
(Corfu, HAU, Nea Philadelphia),and to replace dilapidated or
damaged equipment in Corners that do (Sparti, Xanthi, Veria). This
equipment is vital for holding movie nights, which are among the
most popular and easiest-to-organize activities conducted at the
ACs. In addition, the AC in Xanthi needs a new computer, and one
printer to support administrative, communication and programming
needs.
Plan for the future, Strategy for improvement
17. A key component for 2009 programming will be the reinforcement
of English Language Teaching (ELT) activities. Facilitated by
advisors from the Greek Ministry of Education and Fulbright, IRC
specialists will continue to organize meetings with English language
teachers of primary and secondary education to promote the wealth of
EL materials available that offer "American content." Post also
plans to integrate AC programs into its Embassy Speakers Bureau to
encourage Mission personnel to speak while visiting cities hosting
American Corners.
18. Of special note is a series of workshops and presentations at
four American Corners by a storyteller. After two successful
presentatins at the HAU and Nea Philadelphia ACs by artist Linda
Gorham in 2006, there is a desire to extend this program to the rest
of the ACs in Veria, Xanthi, and Sparti, and to conduct workshops
for English language teachers in Athens (Nea Philadelphia) and
Thessaloniki. Out of a two-week program (twelve program days),
Linda Gorham will be scheduled for 6 program days in 4 ACs. The
remaining four program days will take place in Greek elementary and
high schools and the cost will be covered with Post funds.
19. Post also hopes to participate in a regional training program
for AC directors in southern Europe, organized by IRO Laura
Kaspari-Hohmann. The goal is to share best practices and discuss
efforts to further support and energize AC programming. This
program will highlight successes, discuss other new ideas, and
encourage the AC directors of this region to further develop a
network amongst themselves.
Compliance issues
20. All six American Corners were established with MOUs signed by
the Embassy and the host institution, and all are posted on the AC
Central database. The records are complete and up-to-date. Each AC
is in compliance with core characteristics. Details are available
on request.
21. Post's IRO has reviewed this plan and concurs.
SPECKHARD
1