American Center Newsletter - January 2014 - Photos

The American Center, 44 Galle Road, Colombo 3 Telephone: 2498100 Telefax: 2498101 Email: [email protected]

January 2014

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Concert with Soul Sounds

CONTENTS Page 2

 Presentation on “Digital Libraries”  Access Students Celebrates Xmas Page 3

 Public Lecture on “Global Trends in Library and Information Science”

 Kandy Youth meet with IRO  Book Reading at S. Thomas’ College in Mount Lavinia

Page 4

 Strengthening Language Skills Through Storytelling

 English Enrichment Course in Jaffna

 Students in Negombo Receives Access Scholarships

Page 5

 “Learn About America” Essay Competition Page 6

 USAID in Action Page 8

 Movie Screenings in February

The complex harmonies of American gospel music that lifted up the U.S. Civil Rights movement in the 1960s inspired a Colombo audience to clap and sing along with joy when Ambassador Michele Sison hosted a concert by Sri Lankan gospel choir Soul Sounds to Soul Sounds choir singing Sinhala and Tamil songs honoring commemorate Martin Pandit Amaradeva and Dr. Arundathy Sri Ranganathan. Luther King Day on January 15, 2014. The chorus belted out American gospel songs and Sri Lankan classics by Pandit Amaradeva and Dr. Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan on themes of peace and harmony. Ambassador Sison paid tribute to Sri Lankans who emulate Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence as they pursue social justice and reconciliation. Guests included civil society leaders, youth activists, renowned musicians, diplomats, parliamentarians and media figures. The Soul Sounds choir conducted by Professor Mark Wilson and directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo conveyed a powerful message of unity and reconciliation through their exceptional performance. Continued on page 5

Upcoming Events . . . . . . January 28, 2014, 5:00 pm

January 29, 2014, 6:00 pm

A lecture on “Digitally Augmented Making (D.A.M.): The Relationship Between Advanced Technology and Design” by Tristan AlHaddad, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will be held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies, Colombo 7. Call 011 2498163 for more details.

The American Center in collaboration with the SLASSCOM will host a web-chat on “Crowdfunding Your Startup Venture” at the US-SL Fulbright Commission auditorium, Colombo 3.

srilanka.usembassy.gov

Call 249 8128 or email to [email protected] to get more details. The flyer with panelists' names available at http://goo.gl/ FTPRW5

www.facebook.com/usembassycolombosl

Week-end Movies in February. Every Saturday at 2:30 pm @ the American Center Auditorium. February 1: Disney’s Ruby Bridges February 8: Turbo February 15: Finding Nemo February 22: Beast of the Southern Wild Entrance is free! Call 011 2498146 for more details.

www.youtube.com/USEmbassySrilanka

American Center Newsletter

American Center Newsletter January 2014

American Center Hosts a Presentation on “Digital Libraries” the University of Illinois Library at UrbanaChampaign delivered a presentation on “Digital Libraries: Access and long-term digital preservation challenges in research libraries”, at the American Center Colombo. This lecture was connected to the American Corner in Kandy via Digital Video Conferencing facilities and also screened there. Librarians and students who follow library and information sciences courses found the presentation useful, as it demonstrated new technologies in creation, retrieval, usage and dissemination of digitized information.

On January 7, 2014, Ms. Beth Sandore Namachchivaya, Associate Librarian for Research and Technology and Associate Dean of Libraries at

Newly appointed Information Resource Officer for Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka Bill Middleton introduced Ms. Namachchivya, and her lecture was well attended by librarians representing local libraries, including academic, research, specialized and national libraries.

Access Students Celebrates Xmas The Students of the U.S. Embassy’s Access Centers in Tissamaharama, Matara, Polonnaruwa and, Mullaitivu held events to celebrate Christmas. The Students of the Access Center in Tissamaharama held a Christmas event at the Sandagirigama Elders’ home on December 28, 2013. Thirty students, Access Teachers and parents participated in a clean-up of the dormitories and garden of the elders’ home. The students spent time talking and singing with the senior residents. The students of the Matara and Polonnaruwa centers designed decorations, sang Christmas Carols and watched Christmas movies. A student dressed as Santa also visited the Polonnaruwa Access center and gave gifts to the students. On December 26, 2013, the Matara Access center students engaged in a full day of fun and activity celebrating Christmas. The students received refreshments and gifts from Santa Clause.

http://srilanka.usembassy.gov

Matara

Polonnaruwa

Mullaitivu

2



Public Lecture on “Global trends in Library and Information Science” and Information Science” by William Middleton, State Department’s Information Resource officer covering South Asia. Mr. Middleton discussed changing library trends worldwide and introduced the eLibraryUSA information resource available at the AC in Kandy with 40 online databases, large number of books, encyclopedias for children and youth, English learning tools for children, youth and adults. The audience including Library professionals, students and the public appreciated the free use of AC resources including Internet available for the community in Kandy. On January 9, 2014 American Corner (AC) Kandy hosted a public lecture on “Global Trends in Library Kandy Youth meet with IRO Students following the ‘English Enrichment Course’ and Youth Club members of the American Corner (AC) in Kandy met with William Middleton, State Department’s Information Resource officer covering South Asia and discussed their interests in sports activities and English learning for higher education. These young people are very enthusiastic users of the AC facilities and have a keen interest in doing community services for the less privileged children of Kandy including environment awareness programs. Mr. Middleton discussed ways in which they could improve their English skills and take an active part in community service by using the Mobile Library of the D.S. Senananayake Public Library which reaches out to rural communities. Book Reading at S. Thomas’ College in Mount Lavinia

The students were very thankful for the advice and are happy to be involved in the AC programs serving the needs of the Kandy community supported by the U.S. Embassy. Embassy Intern Ms. Lindsay Kermisch visited S. Thomas’ College in Mount Lavinia on January 21, 2014, as part of the Embassy Speaker program. Students enjoyed her lively reading of ‘The Polar Express’ and discussed the characters depicted in the story. Students showed great interest in learning about the United States, and some who had visited the United States shared their experiences. Lower school Headmistress Mrs. Janitha Peiris thanked the Embassy for providing this beneficial opportunity for students to interact with a native speaker.

Students finding the United States on the globe with Lindsay Kermish.


3



Strengthening Language Skills Through Storytelling On December 28th, 2013, Mickie Crume and her

daughter, Jordan, read to children as part of the American Center’s “Readers are Leaders” reading program. This month’s books included "Rikki-TikkiTavi" by Rudyard Kiplin and "The Story of Ruby Bridges" by Robert Coles. Children enjoyed listening to the stories, and shared their reading experiences during the reading hour as well. The “Readers Are Leaders” reading club was started in January 2010 in order to help develop a taste for reading amongst children, and to help strengthen their language skills. It continues to be an ongoing and successful part of the American Center’s offerings, and meets the third Saturday of each month.

English Enrichment Course in Jaffna

English language skills for higher studies purposes.

On January 7, 2014 over 60 students took the English language placement test to see if they qualified for one of the 35 spots in the ‘English Enrichment Course,’ sponsored by the American Corner Jaffna. The placement test took place at the Jaffna Public Library, where classes will be held for the selected students by the English teacher, Mr. Harry Gnanarajan. The selected students will be participating in this four-month course and will be awarded certificates at the end after taking the final examination. Supported by the U.S. Embassy, this course is offered for students seeking to enhance their Students in Negombo Receives Access Scholarships Cultural Affairs Officer Dawn Suni visited the U.S. Embassy’s Access Center in Negombo for the inauguration ceremony on December 19th, 2013, and awarded 30 Access scholarships to the students from Bosco pura. Students are selected for these scholarships based on their academic potential and willingness to study hard to learn English. The Embassy sponsors 12 Access Centers across Sri Lanka.


4


American Center Newsletter Monthly Essay Competition

January 2014

attractions and much more. The first three winners in each age group will be given a selection of American books, a lifetime membership to the American Center Library, and a certificate signed by the U.S. Ambassador. A prize giving ceremony will be held at the American Center Colombo every two months.

Essay Competition for School Children on the theme of Learn About America The American Center has organized an essay competition for school children, the results of which will be published in the Junior Observer of the Sunday Observer.

Essay topics for March 2014 are as follows: 12-15 years: Discuss how similar Dr. Martin Luther King’s non-violent path to gaining equal rights for African Americans in the US was to the Indian Independence Movement of Mahathma Gandhi in India. (750 words)

The monthly essay topic is for children in two age categories 12-15 years and 16-18 years.

16-18 years: In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation Each age group is given a monthly topic related to and racial discrimination. What lessons can young the United States of America and is asked to write people today learn from non-violent movements an essay with a minimum word count. The students and the ability of youth to create positive change? can conduct research for their essay at the (1000 words) American Center Library in Colombo, at the American Corners in Kandy and Jaffna, or from Please see the Junior Observer of the Sunday sources on IIP Digital, a very good internet Observer for more details. Closing date March 31, resource with information on the United States, its 2014. culture, history, literature, politics, tourist Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration . . . . .

From page 1

Narrators honored Dr. King by reading excerpts of his speeches. Narrators included Sonali Wanigabaduge, a lawyer, TV news anchor and writer; Ishan Jalill, a disability rights activist, UN Volunteer and member of the International Youth Task Force; and Dr. Jehan Perera, Executive Director of National Peace Council, an NGO that upholds the values of non-violence, respect for human rights and the free expression of ideas.

Pandit Amaradeva appreciating the rendering of his song ‘Patu Adahas’ by the Soul Sounds choir.


5

USAID in Action


U.S. Government Support for Bar Association of Sri Lanka a Bar Association program entitled “Civil Society Initiatives to Support the Rule of Law.” This threeyear program will enable the U.S. to foster further linkages between the Sri Lanka Bar and U.S. state bar association. This program will also support continuing professional legal and judicial level education, strengthen legal aid services, and bolster the research and advocacy role of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. “I am so pleased to support important stakeholders in the Sri Lankan legal system, such as the Bar Association of Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Michele Sison at the signing ceremony. “We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with civil society in ways that strengthen democratic institutions, support the rule of law, and promote an independent judicial system. In this regard we can help further Sri Lanka’s efficacy of the legal system and the administration of justice.” This On January 16, 2014, the U.S. Embassy in grant will also assist with a law library renovation, Colombo, through its development arm, the USAID, the refurbishment of the Bar Association announced its new program to support the Bar auditorium, and the organization of a Labor Law Association of Sri Lanka. With the signing of a Conference in February 2014. Memorandum of Understanding, USAID will sponsor

U.S. Government Helps to Revive Communities with $1.5 Million USD Grant On January 24, 2014, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, through its development arm, the USAID, announced a new program to revive the fishery community in the Maradankerny Division of Jaffna. This initiative is part of a significant USAID livelihoods project worth $1.5 million USD (approximately SLR196 million) that focuses on empowering economic opportunities and accelerating permanent resettlement for many displaced families in the North. “We know this community has repeatedly faced the hardship of rebuilding lives after numerous displacements,” Ambassador Sison said while speaking at the opening ceremony, accompanied by Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture of the Northern Provincial Council, Mr. R. Varatheeswaran. “The U.S. Government, in partnership with all of you, is committed to helping restore livelihoods by providing boats and nets that will benefit over 200 fishing families in this community.” http://srilanka.usembassy.gov

The project stretches beyond Maradankerny Division to support over 2,775 direct beneficiaries throughout the Northern Province. In partnership with Sevalanka, the project includes improving livelihood conditions for rice farmers, strengthening basic nutrition and food security, and providing transitional shelter and safe drinking water wells.

6

Film Screenings at the American Center


February 2013 (Theme: Black History Month) February 11 - Driving Miss Daisy (99 minutes) Winner of the Academy Award for best picture of 1989, this gracefully moving drama, adapted from the hit play by Alfred Uhry, chronicles the 25-year friendship between a stubborn, aging Southern widow (Jessica Tandy) and her loyal chauffeur (Morgan Freeman). At first, the self-sufficient Miss Daisy is reluctant to accept the services of a chauffeur, but Hoke is quiet, wise, and tolerant, and as the years pass the unlikely friends develop a deep mutual respect and admiration. February 18 - Ray (153 minutes) Jamie Foxx's uncannily accurate performance isn't the only good thing about Ray. Riding high on a wave of Oscar buzz, Foxx proved himself worthy of all the hype by portraying blind R&B legend Ray Charles in a warts-and-all performance that Charles approved shortly before his death in June 2004. Despite a few dramatic embellishments of actual incidents, the film does a remarkable job of summarizing Charles's strengths as a musical innovator and his weaknesses as a philandering heroin addict who recorded some of his best songs while struggling with severe addiction. February 25 - Do the Right Thing (120 minutes) It's the hottest day of the summer. You can do nothing, you can do something, or you can...Do the Right Thing. Directed by visionary filmmaker Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing is one of the most thought-provoking and groundbreaking films of the last 20 years. The controversial story centers around one scorching innercity day, when racial tensions reach the boiling point in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood.

Movies start promptly at 6:00 pm every Tuesday. Seating is limited and is first-come, first-served. Please contact the American Center at [email protected] or at (11) 249-8146 with any questions. Entrance free!

7