By Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku
Windows on America (WoA), an educational and cultural initiative of the United States Government, Benin City office, is currently conducting a 4-week personal effectiveness workshop for youths in Nigeria to hone their skills in effective communications.
In a promotional message, WoA encouraged youths in Awka, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, FCT Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Osogbo, Port Harcourt, and Uyo to sign up for an ‘in-person’ training to take place at all American spaces.
According to the information it put out, “Certificates will be issued by the US Consulate to participants that complete the course and attend the in-person discussions at our American spaces locations.”
The Benin City Office is located at the Glass House on the Airport Road in Benin City. American Spaces provide public programming spaces and support five core programs: English language learning, Education, Alumni activities, Cultural programs and Information about the US.
They partner with host-country institutions. The partner provides a physical space and staff, and the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate provides multi-media materials about the United States, training, and equipment, furniture and technical support.
The Spaces provide accurate information about the U.S., including education and cultural programs and opportunities, access to English language resources, and connections to alumni. American Spaces also provide information about American society, culture, policies, politics, history, literature, and business.
American Spaces staff assist in helping individuals to use resources and programming provided at the space. American Spaces are open to everyone in the community.
Patrons include journalists, academics, businesspeople and women, civic organizations, teachers, students, government officials, military, clergy, and traditional rulers.
Presently, there are 18 American Spaces in Nigeria; six are sited in the northern part of Nigeria namely Abuja, Bauchi, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, and Sokoto. The other thirteen Spaces are situated in the south: Lagos (four locations), Abeokuta. Awka, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Osogbo, Port Harcourt and Uyo.
An official of the WOA at the Benin City office confirmed to Alltimepost.com that the ‘personal effectiveness workshop for Youth’ has already commenced.
Other trainings slated by the American spaces for the month of July 2021 include a leadership Café program themed The Power of Ideas for July 9 2021 to be delivered by Wale Olasoji at 294 Herbert Macaulay Way, Lagos.
To commemorate Nelson Mandela Day 22 July 2021, American spaces will present a Grant Writing Workshop for Female Entrepreneurs.
Key speakers at that workshop will include Julie Obi (Convener), Prof Jesse Lutabingwa (Ass VC Appalachian State University, USA), and Adepeju Jaiyeoba (MMF) Alero Thompson (Obama Fellowship Scholar).
These events are supported by the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Appalachian State University, Yaliserves, The Obama Foundation Fellowship, D’Jules Event place and the American corner.
