"Interconnected Lives’: PEPFAR/PAS photo exhibit looks at HIV/AIDS in Côte d’Ivoire

With $120 million to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Côte d’Ivoire this year, PEPFAR – the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – has the numbers to prove we are making a difference.Photographer Nadia Bettega went looking for something beyond the numbers. On Monday, July 28, PEPFAR and the Embassy Public Affairs Office will unveil the faces of HIV she found at hospitals and clinics, at community social centers, in support groups, at a clinic for sex workers, in local organizations that help vulnerable children, at a mosque, in private homes in cities and villages from Abobo to Ouangolodougou.... (more)

DVC on Toleration

On July 24, PAS Abidjan organized a lively DVC on tolerance with ARS speaker Dr. Susan Perry. Sixty participants included the Minister of National Reconciliation; representatives from the Presidency, Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Ministry of Communication; and religious leaders, magistrates, presidents of women’s and youth associations, and media professionals.  Charge Cynthia Akuetteh stressed the importance of drawing on the talents of all groups in an ethnically diverse country such as the United States or Cote d’Ivoire.  Dr. Perry addressed the principles and requirements of tolerance, the relationship between tolerance and democracy, and case studies from the United States and France.... (more)

Live HIV/AIDS Discussion on Muslim Radio in Cote d’Ivoire

On July 17 PAS Abidjan partnered with Radio Al Bayane, the main Muslim radio station in Cote d’Ivoire, to organize a live call-in program on the theme: “HIV/AIDS and Behavior Change.” The program featured PEPFAR Country Coordinator Jyoti Schlesinger; PAS Information Specialist Folli Teko; a representative from the Ministry of Health; and Imam Cisse Djiguiba, the Director of the radio and President of an NGO fighting HIV/AIDS.  The show was a great success and provided an opportunity to stress the importance of prevention, testing and care, as well as providing information on PEPFAR supported programs.  Imam Cisse Djiguiba in particular was able to address some of the challenges facing the Muslim community in its fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as focusing on the need to reject stigma and help those dealing with the disease. Originally planned for one hour, the program ran fifteen minutes over because of the large number of questions from listeners and the Producer recorded the program for re-broadcasting. 

Economic Counselor Massinga teaches NGO activists management techniques

The US Embassy Economic Counselor talked to members of the Association des Elèves et Etudiants du Départment d’Aboisso et d’Adiaké (AEEDAA) on how to manage NGOs and raise funds to support their activities.  During the July 12 event, held at the American Corner in Yamoussoukro, Mr. Ervin Massinga convincingly advocated the use of basic business principles in managing NGOs.  His PowerPoint presentation included information on how to write a successful grant proposal and gave the audience a list of web links of American organizations that can assist international NGOs. Post supported the program with printed copies of IIP publications and books.   Members of the AEEDAA said they would pass on the lessons learned during the program when they return to their respective villages.

American Corners CIRES and Tiassale Visited the Presidential Palace July 12, 2008

On Saturday July 12, 2008, forty (40) members of the American Corners - CIRES and Tiassale - visited the Ivorian Presidential Palace in Abidjan. The purpose of this activity was to draw the  awareness of the American Corners’ patrons on a symbol of Cote d’Ivoire independence and the story of the building construction.  It was also an opportunity to advertise American Corner programs.... (more)

American Corner compares civil rights struggle in South Africa and the United States

Graduate students of the National Polytechnique Institute of Yamoussoukro and members of local English clubs gathered at the American Corner there on July 11 to discuss similarities and differences between the civil rights struggles in South Africa and the United States.  The program started with a projection of an ARS provided French language version of  “Cry Freedom,” a movie based on the true story of Steve Biko (played by Denzel Washington), the charismatic South African Black Consciousness Movement leader, and Donald Woods (played by Kevin Kline), the liberal white editor of the Daily Dispatch newspaper.  Following the screening, PAO Sharon White reviewed key elements in the U.S. Civil Rights movement and compared it with the struggle in South Africa. The sixty participants joined in a lively discussion, debating what modern Africa can do to continue to make progress towards full equality for all.  The well-received program deepened the students’ knowledge of the Civil Rights movement in the US and fostered mutual understanding.