BARACK OBAMA AMERICAN CORNER

History of the Barack Obama American Corner

The Barack Obama American Corner is a library and resource centre that emerged from a partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the Ovie Brume Foundation. Inaugurated in February 2009 by Robin Saunders – then United States Ambassador to Nigeria, the Barack Obama American Corner (BOAC) is situated in our Lagos Youth Centre and is open to all members of the community. The Barack Obama American Corner houses U.S literature, information about society, culture, policies, politics, history and business in the United States. Details on how to embark on studies in the U.S., visa information, videos, facts and statistics, and free internet access are provided. Visitors receive help using the resources from the Barack Obama American Corner Co-ordinator.

OUR PROGRAMMES

BOAC CONTEST SERIES

We hold three major spelling bee competitions during the school year, and also host a quarterly general knowledge quiz. These competitions motivate the young people to improve their vocabulary, spelling and general knowledge and are always keenly contested.

BOAC KIDS CLUB

BOAC hosts primary school children aged between 6 and 10, three days a week between 2 – 4pm after school. The children engage in different activities that enhance their social skills and educational development. We have an Early Literacy Play Station loaded with educational and interactive games that keeps the children engaged while they learn.

BOOK CLUBS

We host book clubs where the children come together in groups to read and discuss various books and engage in activities related to their reading. We run a 100 Book Challenge, where students are encouraged to read 100 books a year from a selection in the library.

MOBILE READING BOOK CLUB

BOAC runs a mobile reading book club in conjunction with the Ovie Brume Foundation Youth Centre and public secondary schools on Lagos Island. As part of this program, BOAC purchases books for pupils to read every month and then brings the children together to discuss their reading. The book club has helped pupils build their vocabulary and enhance their reading skills.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The BOAC routinely hosts workshops and special events on different issues. We hold activities to mark events including World Literacy Day, International Day of the Girl Child, Global Youth Service Day, World Aids Day and World Environment Day and months such as Black History Month and Women History Month. We also host Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) workshops, STEM Workshops and Career Fairs.

CONVERSATION CAFES

BOAC routinely hosts an intimate conversation series during which invited speakers are invited to share topics of interest and encourage dialogue. It is less formal interaction than a debate or seminar. A key objective of the conversation cafes is also to expose our youth members to a wide range of interesting people and topics and to provide them with a comfortable environment in which to discuss issues.

INTERNET CAFE

BOAC hosts an internet cafe where the public can browse the internet free of charge to research career building and educational pursuits. Photocopying and printing services are also available at a minimal fee.

FILM SHOWS

BOAC hosts film screenings in collaboration with the Ovie Brume Foundation Youth Centre. A range of films are screened across all genres including comedy, drama and documentaries highlighting important historical and political events.