2005 - 2006 Bo American Corner Reports

Program Reports

US Ambassador Visits Bo Regional Library (December 18, 2006)

The US Ambassador HE Thomas N Hull paid a visit to the American Corner at the Bo Regional Library.  Amb Hull had a conducted tour of the library and saw the high speed internet donated by the US Embassy at work.  Then, he had a literary session with pupils from schools in Bo.  Amb Hull and Public Affairs Officer Brenda Soya read popular children's stories to the kids.  The children were enthusiastic and they in turn read more stories. A general question and answer session followed.  The exchange was very lively.  The US Embassy also donates international and US magazines and books regularly to the Corner.

Women and Leadership Seminar at the Bo Regional Library (April 4-5, 2006)

The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy conducted a seminar for women leaders in Bo from April 4-5, 2006.  The two-day seminar focused on the training of grassroots and professional women in developing their business and public relations skills.  The forty participants were drawn from female members of the Town and District Councils of Bo and Kenema, female traders and business women, union leaders and local NGOs.  Topics included: “How Democracy Plays into Development” by James Stewart, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy; “Investment, Business, AGOA and economic opportunities” by Mrs. Beatrice Dove-Edwin of the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and “Business Management and Development Communication” by Mr. Peter Lansana of the Decentralization Unit.  Dr. Julius Spencer of Premier Media did a presentation to enhance the public speaking skills of participants and the Public Affairs Officer, Ms. Brenda Soya led a video presentation and discussion on empowerment.
 
The seminar grew out of the need to train women leaders in Bo and Kenema in order to empower them as they work side by side their male counterparts.  The women were very enthusiastic as they registered the first day and the contents of the program proved to be appropriate to their needs.
 
Declaring the seminar open, the Chairman, Bo Town Council, Dr. Wusu Sannoh said “…you women should be good leaders and should be chosen to serve not only because you are women but also because you can do a good job.”  He expressed optimism that the group of women present would do well.
 
The seminar went well according to schedule and the program was very welcomed by the participants. 
        
Journalism Training Program (July 26, 2006)

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) conducted a Journalism Training Session at the American Corner in Bo on July 26, 2006.  About thirty journalists from Bo and Kenema Districts took part in the training. The session included a 40 minute documentary film "Getting the Story," and discussions in improving Journalism skills.

Literary Morning with Kids (July 26, 2006)

A literary program was also held at the American Corner in Bo on July 26, 2006 for about 40 kids ranging form 10 - 16 years from various schools in the Bo District.  The program included reading, art, singing and public speaking sessions.  PAS staff from the US Embassy distributed books to the children at the end of the session.