:: Jerusalem Consulate Dedicates Library at Internet Learning Center in Hebron ::

http://exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/news/2007/082307.htm

Jerusalem Consulate Dedicates Library at Internet Learning Center in Hebron

The library at the Internet Learning Center in Hebron, Jerusalem received over 750 books and 350 magazines from the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. Earlier this year, the Public Affairs Office of the Consulate began a donation drive to collect books and magazines for the library. Their donation efforts resulted in the Internet Learning Center library being filled with children’s books, scientific and economic textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, medical references, history books, and English language materials. The Governor of Hebron thanked the Public Affairs Office and other Consulate staff for their generosity and for the U.S. government's concern and support for the people of Hebron.

The Internet Learning Center, established by the ECA-funded NGO Relief International-Schools Online, was filled with students eager to peruse the new books. One of the students gave a speech in which he thanked the Consulate staff on behalf of his peers, and another student played the violin for the audience. The students also approached Consulate staff individually to express their gratitude, saying that the “American people are good friends” to the people of Hebron. The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) also spoke to the attendees, in which she confirmed the American government's commitment to supporting Palestinian people as they work for a brighter future. Hebron Radio carried a live broadcast of the entire ceremony and individual interviews with the Governor, PAO, and Center director.

The Internet Learning Center in Hebron was established through ECA's Global Connections and Exchange program that involves more than 2,500 youth and 300 teachers throughout the West Bank.in training sessions and other activities that benefit their community.