Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09COTONOU531
2009-11-05 06:24:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Cotonou
Cable title:  

BENIN ENGLISH OUTREACH PROGRAM: ENGLISH COMMUNITY OASIS

Tags:  OEXC SCUL KPAO BN 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHCO #0531 3090624
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 050624Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1174
INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1543
UNCLAS COTONOU 000531 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PD (DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE) AF/W(ASTEWART),
PD/IIP (McMICHAEL),ECA/A/L/W
PARIS FOR ARS (DWINTON)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO BN
SUBJECT: BENIN ENGLISH OUTREACH PROGRAM: ENGLISH COMMUNITY OASIS
INDUCTION CEREMONY

UNCLAS COTONOU 000531

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/PD (DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE) AF/W(ASTEWART),
PD/IIP (McMICHAEL),ECA/A/L/W
PARIS FOR ARS (DWINTON)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO BN
SUBJECT: BENIN ENGLISH OUTREACH PROGRAM: ENGLISH COMMUNITY OASIS
INDUCTION CEREMONY


1. SUMMARY: On October 30, PAS Cotonou hosted a well-attended
induction ceremony for an English club named English Community
Oasis. In an effort to meet the MSP goal of furthering mutual
understanding between the people of the United States and the people
of Benin, the American Cultural Center hosted this event to
establish a relationship with the members of this Club who are
learning English and interested in developing their leadership
skills. END SUMMARY.


2. DATE OF ACTIVITY: October 30; First quarter, FY 10.


3. PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION/OBJECTIVES: Post held this event to promote
the English language as a tool to further mutual understanding
between the people of the United States and the people of Benin.


4. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY: The English Community is the name of an
international NGO involved in education and capacity building.
English Community Oasis, established in Benin in 2008, is the first
club for English speakers and learners in Benin. In order to foster
a strong sense of belonging among the membership, the induction
ceremony is a compulsory step in the membership process. Further, a
prospective member can only become a member after having been
accepted by those who are already full members of the Club.


5. The program consisted of speeches by the Ambassador, the PAO, the
President of the English Club English Community Oasis and the
Director of the Scientific and Academic Cooperation at the Ministry
of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the swearing-in
ceremony itself.


6. In her opening remarks, PAO Rhonda Watson emphasized that Post
supports teachers of English through training programs and teaching
materials. She also stated that beyond its support for teacher
training, the U.S Embassy in Benin, by sponsoring this program,
wanted to show its support and encouragement for the efforts made by
the English Community Oasis to promote excellence through
bilingualism.


7. The President of English Community Oasis explained that the
members participate in a 3-hour training session held each Sunday at
a High School in Cotonou. During these meetings, the participants
or prospective members of the Club not only have the opportunity to
improve their English and their communication skills, but also to
broaden their knowledge. The new inductees were presented with
certificates to reward them for the training sessions they had
successfully completed in the English club.


8. Dr. Ambroise Medegan, a former Fulbright scholarship recipient
and the Director of the Scientific and Academic Cooperation at the
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted
the importance of the English language for a successful career.


9. Ambassador Knight seized the opportunity to emphasize the
promotion of the English language as a key aspect of the U.S.
Embassy's mission and the major role played by the Public Affairs
Section in achieving this objective. He congratulated all the new
members, who have worked hard and saluted the achievements that had
earned them the right to be inducted into the English Community
Oasis.


10. MPP UMBRELLA THEMES AND AUDIENCE REACHED: Promoting Mutual
Understanding - Maintaining Beninese Support for the United States -
Securing a Proper Platform for USG Programs in Benin. The event
attracted approximately 80 guests, including students, English clubs
members, lecturers, journalists, Embassy Officers and staff
including Ambassador James Knight. At least fifteen Cotonou based
media outlets including two TV stations, two radio stations and
eight print media covered this event.


11. RESULT/IMPACT: Excellent. The program, augmented by a skit,
several musical presentations, a rendition of the Martin Luther King
"I Have a Dream" speech and a Michael Jackson dance imitation, was a
highly successful event, appreciated by all in attendance.
Participants expressed appreciation for all the encouragement
offered by the various speakers, encouragement which will enable
them to stay committed to develop their ability to communicate in
English.


12. NON-USG SOURCES OF IN-COUNTRY FUNDING/IN KIND SUPPORT: The
English Community Oasis club provided refreshments after the
program.


13. QUALITY OF USG SUPPORT: Excellent. The presence of Ambassador
James Knight enhanced the success of the event. Kudos to the PAS
team for putting together this program.

KNIGHT