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R 100400Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0626

UNCLAS ASMARA 000423 
 
 
DEPT FOR ECA/PE/V, AF/PD, AF/EX, AF/EPS, AND AF/E 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO SCUL OEXC AMGT ER
SUBJECT: ASMARA PUBLIC DIPLOMACY EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2009 
 
¶1. A summary of Public Diplomacy sponsored special events for the 
month of November is as follows: 
 
a) On November 12, Ambassador McMullen delivered a lecture titled 
"Eritrea: Africa's Bridge to the World."  The lecture illustrated 
recent advances in genetic paleoanthropology.  Ambassador McMullen 
addressed travel patterns of early man using his family as an 
example.  The lecture emphasized how Ambassador McMullen's family 
left Eritrea 55,000 years ago and eventually migrated to the state 
of Iowa in the United States. 
 
b) Embassy Asmara's Public Diplomacy Section celebrated 
International Education week by emphasizing the importance of 
education and the need for students to learn about the world beyond 
their own countries.  The Public Diplomacy section also assisted 
with the self reflective test titled "Self Directed Search", which 
assists with identifying students' interests and strengths.  Embassy 
Asmara's educational advisor assisted students at the American 
Center and at secondary schools with the administering of the test. 
The Public Diplomacy Section received strong feedback from students 
and teachers regarding the usefulness and practicality of the 
examination.  The educational film show "Akeelah and the Bee" was 
shown, and the brochures "Discover Yourself in America" and 
e-journal "Campus Connections" were distributed to interested 
American Center patrons and test participants. 
 
c) On November 19, the American Center (IRC) celebrated Global 
Entrepreneurship Week.  In the spirit of innovation, discovery, and 
entrepreneurship, children currently enrolled in English and 
computer courses at the American Center were tasked with building a 
"vehicle of the future" with legos.  Participants were extremely 
creative in their designs, with many incorporating renewable energy 
ideas such as solar energy.  Each participant received a small gift 
and three top winners received prizes. 
 
d) On November 21, the American Center hosted a graduation ceremony 
celebrating the completion of a two month course by 19 students from 
the Deaf Association. 
 
¶2. A summary of Public Diplomacy sponsored regular programs for the 
month of November: 
 
a) Women's Round Table: IRC hosted the monthly Women's Round Table 
meeting on November 19.  The group discussed about working women. 
 
b) Reader's Club: IRC staff hosted the monthly Reader's Club on 
November 19.  The group discussed a book "7 Habits of Highly 
Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. 
 
c) Film Programs: Each Wednesday the IRC offers two showings of 
films for children and one for adults.  Total attendance at all 
Asmara films for the month of November was 222.  Breakdown: Children 
190; adults 32. 
 
d) Computer Orientation Training: IRC staff offers computer training 
sessions for children 4 hours every week.  The month of November had 
336 participants between the ages of 10 and 15.  IRC staff also 
offers computer training session for adults 2 hours a week.  There 
were 40 attendees for November. 
 
e) Educational Advising: Group and individual educational advising 
sessions were held twice each week at the American Center with 54 
high-school and university-aged students participating in 
discussions. 
 
f) The America Center's monthly on-line quiz had 46 participants 
from Asmara.  This month's quiz covered questions about Native 
American Heritage. 
 
g) The American Center (IRC) had 3,926 visitors for internet and 
information resources in November. 
 
Note:  This number is for individuals using the Center's information 
and internet resources, and does not include those attending special 
events, lectures, films, or educational advising. 
 
¶3.  A calendar of upcoming U.S. Embassy events and programs for 
December is provided on the Embassy's website under "Upcoming 
Events" at www.eritrea.usembassy.gov. Summaries and photographs of 
special events are routinely posted on the website. 
 
 
MCMULLEN