DUSHANBE, January 21, 2012, Asia-Plus – On January 19, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Ken Gross participated in the opening ceremony of the sixth American Corner in Tajikistan, located in Gharm, the administrative center of the Rasht district.

According the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Ambassador Gross thanked the local government of Gharm, Tajiktelecom, NGO Marifatnoki, and the Government of Tajikistan for their help in opening the corner.  The U.S. Embassy renovated the space and provided eight computers with high-speed Internet and hundreds of books and DVDs in English all free of charge for use by students, teachers, and professionals.  The total cost of renovations, furniture, equipment, and English language materials was more than $30,000. First deputy of Rasht District’s Chairman Toshali Muqimov and representatives of Tajiktelecom, local government officials, NGO leaders, teachers, and students participated in the event.

At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Gross said, “American Corners provide free Internet, books, and DVDs.  They share information about American culture and values, and U.S. Embassy programs.  But the Corner is much more than that.  It offers resources to build literacy and tolerance. We hope this American Corner will help people learn about America and the world.”

The U.S. Embassy provides a full-time coordinator to assist visitors, organize events, and supplemental English language programs.  The coordinator also provides information about U.S. Government educational exchange programs and how to apply to American universities.

The U.S. Embassy now supports American Corners in Dushanbe, Kulob, Qurghon Teppa, Khorog, and Khujand.  Each American Corner provides free Internet access for educational purposes, free English language materials, presentations about U.S. Government programs, educational advising, and many clubs, presentations, and webchats related to American culture and values.  The American Corners are one of the many ways the American people support Tajikistan’s youth.