MOVIE PROJECTION AT HOUDEGBE NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

UNCLAS COTONOU 000596 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/PD DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE, AF/W ASHLEY STEWART, PD/IIP McMICHAEL, ECA/A/L/W PARIS FOR ARS (DWINTON) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO BN SUBJECT: MOVIE PROJECTION AT HOUDEGBE NORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ¶1. SUMMARY: As part of its outreach program with schools and universities, PAS Cotonou showed on December 15, the film "The Great Debaters" at Houdegbe North American University. The showing of this film was intended to renew the support that the American Embassy has offered to the University through the services of the American Cultural Center. END SUMMARY. ¶2. DATE OF ACTIVITY: December 15; 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. MPP UMBRELLA THEMES AND AUDIENCE REACHED: Promoting Mutual Understanding - Maintaining Beninese Support for the United States. The film showing attracted approximately 30 students from the University which was established in 1992 as the College Preparatory International Houdegbe. In 1995 the institution was granted accreditation in Benin as a private institution of higher education authorized to teach Associate Degree Programs in Business Administration. Houdegbe North American University works in partnership with West Virginia State College and Plymouth State University as well as with institutions in both English and French speaking Africa and in Nigeria. The graduates are employed all over West and Central Africa and many have pursued studies in various institutions in Europe, the United States and Canada. ¶5. RESULT/IMPACT: Excellent. The students enjoyed a great film showing the perseverance, tenacity and skill of university students at an all-Black University during the period of segregation in the U.S. ¶6. NON-USG SOURCES OF IN-COUNTRY FUNDING/IN KIND SUPPORT: None. ¶7. QUALITY OF USG SUPPORT: Excellent. Kudos to the PAS team for putting together this program. KNIGHT