During her first visit to Assam, August 28-29, American Center Director Joanne “JJ” Joria visited and toured the American Corner in Guwahati which is the American Library Kolkata’s northeast resource center. This information center jointly set up by the U.S. Consulate, Kolkata and Darwin School of Business was inaugurated on February 25, 2012 by Ambassador Peter Burleigh.
The American Corner provides current and reliable information about the United States, fulfilling the diverse academic information needs of students, teachers, professionals and others. This information outpost is a tool for expanding knowledge on the United States for people of north-east India. Currently, it has a collection of about 1500 books, in addition to DVDs and periodicals on American English, education in the United States, U.S. history, political and social sciences, environment and travel. In addition the American Corner also has a growing collection of children and young adult books, DVDs and periodicals. Over 130 members use this corner for their academic, professional and leisure interests.
As part of her educational outreach Ms. JJ Joria enjoyed her engagement with the students of Handique Girls College, Don Bosco School and Maharishi Vidya Mandir where she spoke to the students on opportunities for higher education in the United States.
She also had the opportunity to meet with local alumni of various U.S. Department of State funded exchange program like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and local NGO representatives. Ms Joria concluded her visit with an interaction with the media fraternity.
