Ambassador John Campbell
Remarks
Signing of CRC Memoranda of Understanding

September 28, 2004
Abuja

I am happy to welcome you today to our first step in establishing six new American Corners in Nigeria.

The Memoranda of Understanding that we are signing today extend and consolidate the partnership that began with the first Community Resource Centers.

We started with the US Agency for International Development and later partnered with Total Service Solutions.

Now, we are continuing through our Public Affairs Sections in Abuja and Lagos.

You join an active program of American Corners already operating in Jos, Ibadan, Kano and Port Harcourt.

The selection of the Centers as partners in this ongoing project is very appropriate.

The CRCs are already thriving institutions, playing an important role in their communities.

Throughout the coming years, we hope that they will lead the nation in technology transfer, as it continues on the path of development.

American Corners will lead to closer cooperation between Nigerians and Americans.

Traditionally, United States Information Service (USIS) libraries around the world were a place for the public to find materials reflecting a broad view of American society, arts, culture, policy and government.

Unfortunately, many factors over the past decade forced the closure of USIS libraries to general publics and, by necessity, our Information Resource Centers now are focused on background materials concentrating on topics in international affairs and on issues of major bilateral concerns.

Our goal is to provide a balanced representation of the United States. Simply put: People need to know what we Americans are all about.

Our need to communicate with the public has become greater since the tragedy of 9/11.

Public diplomacy efforts to inform foreign audiences continue.

We now know, however, that there is a great need to create spaces, both physical and intellectual, for dialogue and mutual understanding.

Again, people need to know what we Americans are all about.

I am pleased to share with you that the American Corners in the Career Community Resource Centers will be free and open to everyone--students, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, government officials, and ordinary citizens.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the United States, study at U.S. universities, do business with American companies, or contact their colleagues and counterparts in the United States can do so at the American Corner.

The public will have access to a wide range of information, not only for purposes of research but also for what we call "purposes of action", as well.

For example:
1) Business leaders can use the American Corner to locate prospective clients and suppliers.

2) Students can learn about opportunities for study in the United States.

3) NGO leaders can find colleagues in the United States with shared interests and shared challenges.

4) Embassy officials and other U.S. representatives can serve as speakers, guests, and participants at the American Corner educational and cultural events.

5) Americans and alumni of US programs will be able to meet and conduct activities on American themes.

There are many possibilities and I could go on and on.

Your Excellencies and invited guests, the American Corner is much more than a collection of materials and Internet connections.

It is, as I suggested before, a physical and intellectual space for dialogue and mutual understanding.

I am happy to say that all the initial materials have been ordered, and when they arrive you will receive:
1) A collection of videos, CD-ROMs and DVDs and
2) The Library of America collection, which is an impressive set of more than 100 of America's best works.

You will also receive:
1) Reference books to provide basic information,
2) Non-fiction books on a wide range of topics and reflecting a wide range of opinions, and
3) Other books strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

Books are an essential component of ongoing intellectual development.

And speaking of reading for pleasure… If I may share…

At the moment, I am reading The Geometry of Love by Margaret Visser.

It's a very interesting book on a church in Rome that dates back to the seventh century.

I highly recommend it.

Our hope is that the American Corners will serve as an asset to communities and local organizations.

With a bit of work, Nigerians will be drawn into the centers' interesting, educational and, perhaps, provocative programs.

I thank you all for coming today.

I am honored to be with you at this important event and we, here in the US Mission, look forward to working with you. Thank you.