Our Clubs Begin!!!

September 27, 2017

Alongside with the start of the new school year, we at the American Corner in the Ceadir Lunga Public Library also started our fun activities for our students. Every Saturday in the American Corner, we host a Children's English Club, where we help students learn new words in English while having fun! We play a lot of games and watch movies in English as we learn together. Many children from our community participate in our Saturday activities, and they enjoy spending time with us!


We understand that learning a new language is scary and difficult. Our job is to help students be comfortable with learning English, and show them that it can be a lot of fun! We play Hangman, Cowboys, Word Puzzles and even more games! We also celebrate American holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year, when we will host small parties for all who wants to come.

In addition we also offer the American Table, which is an English conversation club for students from age 14 to 18. Students from all over Ceadir Lunga visit us to improve their English speaking skills, prepare for their exams, and learn about interesting topics. We will discuss many things like our dreams, hobbies, travel, our goals in life, and learn from each other. It is a relaxed group where we can speak together as friends and tell stories!

The Children's English Club is held in the American Corner at the Public Library every Saturdays, from 1200 to 1400, or whenever we finish playing games.

The American Table Conversation Club for teenagers is also held in the American Corner every Thursdays and Fridays, from 1600 to 1730.

You want to learn English? Come and visit us! We want to meet you :)

  

Library Innovation and Novateca

Cahul

September 14, 2017

The Andrei Ciurunga Regional Library of Cahul hosted a celebration of librarians from all over Moldova in the spirit of innovation, modernization, and to promote their libraries as great institutions for social, educational, and information centers of community. This was done to showcase the progress of transforming Moldovan libraries as modern public information resources with the help of the Novateca Program, which came to Moldova in 2014 and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Our Librarian Colleagues

Novateca first assessed the conditions of the libraries in Moldova, and in building partnerships with local librarians and educators, Novateca began a modernizing program for Moldovan libraries.  Within 3 years the program equipped the libraries with modern technology and developed new services and trainings for the librarians to make them sustainable for the long term. Basic internet and computer services were set up, programs for children were started, and professional trainings and seminars were offered to adults to help with employment. In addition, Novateca worked with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Informational Technology and Communication.

And after 3 years, the positive impacts of Novateca’s initiatives on the libraries are undeniably powerful. Looking through the presentations, it is clear that Moldovan libraries have evolved as the informational and cultural hub for their communities. Each libraries offered different varieties of clubs and trainings, such as teaching computer skills to children and the elderly, promoting arts and crafts, music, and other activities. It was so exciting for the librarians to be able to share their activities and learn from each other. Many librarians hugged and greeted each other affectionately, and in seeing the many different programs their colleagues are doing in their libraries, many different ideas were exchanged in the event!

Librarians from Ceadir Lunga participated too :)

Now, libraries all over Moldova serve as not only as a source of information and communication, but also a resource for professional development. Librarians have been trained effectively to carry out trainings for their community, and the librarians have worked hard in raising the awareness in the general public about the many opportunities they offer.

Evan Tracz, Director of Novateca

During the event, many representatives from Cahul’s local administration gave speeches that praised and marveled at the wonderful transformation of Moldovan libraries. Even the director of Novateca, Evan Tracz, spoke to the librarians and praised their dedication and willingness to innovate and serve their communities, as well as recalling how they first began the program, to how far they have come. Now, the libraries of the Republic of Moldova has become true centers for their communities where everyone, regardless of occupation and age, may benefit from modern technologies and services in many fields, such as education, health, agriculture, and more.

And the librarians were so happy! There were a lot of singing and dancing in celebration. 

 

Congratulations to all our librarians! We have come so far. Let’s keep doing our best!

Study in the USA!

Are you interested in studying in the United States?

If you are a high school student (9^th-12^th Forms), you can apply to a wonderful program which opens many possibilities for the future. The FLEX Program, also known as the Future Leaders Exchange Program, provides an exciting opportunity for foreign students to go to the United States, live with an American family, go to American schools, and be immersed in American culture.

For many hardworking, motivated students, the FLEX Program grants scholarships and benefits based solely on the students’ merits. This means that even if your family cannot afford the costs, the students can come to America and live with host families.

Students from all many countries such as Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Montenegro, and Moldova apply to the FLEX Program and go to school in the United States for one academic year. They make friends with many American students, and together they share their cultures and learn from each other. Many students return to their home countries full of new experiences and appreciation of American culture, as well as having gained new perspectives on different ways of life after living in a different country. These students become more active in their communities, and become future leaders!

"FLEX was established in 1992 and funding is provided through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Program was created from the conviction of former Senator Bill Bradley that the best way to ensure long-lasting peace and understanding between the U.S. and the countries of Eurasia is to enable young people to Learn about the U.S. and Americans firsthand, and to teach Americans about their countries.

The primary goal of the FLEX program is to improve mutual understanding and develop and strengthen long-term relationships between citizens of the United States and other peoples and countries. The State Department supports exchanges for secondary school students from over 50 countries through FLEX and other academic year programs. Since the program's inception in 1993, over 24,000 students have participated in the FLEX program." 

So, what are you waiting for? A new adventure is right around the corner! Check out the FLEX Program at http://discoverflex.org/

For more information, please come and ask us in the American Corner, located in the Public Library of Ceadir Lunga, 127 Lenin Street.