American Corners

Last week was the official opening to the American Corner here in Antananarivo. It was a pretty big event to say the least. There were plenty of Malagasy news reporters, the university president was there, and the US Ambassador was the public official who cut the tape to make the opening of this new language, research, and learning center official. We’ve been waiting for the American Corner to be renovated and opened here in Tana for well over a year now. So you can imagine how excited everyone was to finally see the doors swing open and come to be operation ready. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “Nathaniel, what the heck is an American Corner? And why is it such a big deal?” Well, I’m glad you asked.

If you haven’t realized by now, the improvement of the English language across the globe is a major priority for the United States Department of State. In fact, increasing access to English learning materials, better English teacher trainings, and reliable sources about the United States, American culture, and educational opportunities for foreign students is a key part in how the United States tries to build stronger links between itself and other countries. One of the ways we do this is through the construction and maintenance of what we call American Corners, designated locations in foreign countries with access to resources, materials, and people who know about the United States. The services are free of charge and open to everyone, thanks to you, my fellow tax-paying friends.

With the new American Corner at the University of Antananarivo opened, there are now 3 American Corners across the country and nearly 700 across the entire world. And since the ones in Madagascar are all brand-new, they have the added benefit of receiving the latest technology. This includes chrome books, desktop computers, a television set, a filming room with perfect lighting, and even a Zoom room to be able to connect to other American Corners around the world. There is a library, access to top research sites, and a myriad of other resources on English, the United States, and educational opportunities.

As I mentioned before, these services are offered for free and to anyone, not just the students at the university. The American Corner is open almost all day with an official staff member and volunteers to welcome anyone who shows up or want to host English clubs. One of the English Teaching Assistants and the English Teaching Fellow have even made it a priority to be there regularly each week just to engage with anyone who walks through the door. Yours truly will have to play it by ear with my schedule. Nonetheless, I think the American Corner is a testament of some public policy that really works and brings a lot of hope, knowledge, and relationships to the people who use it.

As always, know that you are in my prayers each morning. All I ask is that you do the same for me.

May God be praised.

P.S. Please enjoy these before and after photos I took. The first photo is what the room looked like when I first arrived in Madagascar over a year ago. The second is the fully equipped American Corner taken from the same spot. You can't see all the technology, although the zoom room and filming room are in the back, but you can see the drastic difference.

P.S.S. Here is the link to the Corner’s Facebook page: (2) American Corner Antananarivo | Antananarivo | Facebook