IRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

1
Embassy of the United States of America
Office of Public Affairs
Information Resource Center
P. O. Box 1866 Abidjan 01
Telephone: 2249 4055/ 2249 4170/ 2249 4249
Fax: (225) 2249 4219
E-mail: [email protected]
http://abidjan.usembassy.gov/irc.html
IRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015
TABLE OF CONTENT
OVERVIEW
The Abidjan Information Resource Center seeks
to advance USG policy goals by identifying and
selectively disseminating information to host
country contacts that influence policy and public
opinion on issues related to the Mission Strategic
Plan (MSP). The Center also responds to
requests for information on issues relating to the
Mission’s Strategic Plan themes. IRC staff uses
the most efficient and cost-effective information
delivery technology appropriate to the
infrastructure of Cote d’Ivoire.
The IRC is an integral component of the overall
official U.S. presence in Cote d’Ivoire and serves
post and Mission-wide information needs in
supporting of U.S. public diplomacy objectives.
The measure of effectiveness of the IRC is the
extent to which it advances the USG policy goals
in Cote d’Ivoire through American Shelves, the
IRC resources, programs and services. Please
find in this report a summary of the IRC
activities from October 2014 to September 2015.
OVERVIEW
P1
CIRCULATION DESK
P2
BOOKS CHECKED OUT
P2
IRC PROGRAMS
P3
BOOK OF THE MONTH
P3
ENGLISH L. LEARNING
P4
CHILDREN STORYTELLING
P4
ENGLISH FOR YOUTH
P5
IRC CONFERENCES
P6
VIDEOCHATS
P7
IRC TRAININGS
P7
VIDEO SCREENING
P7
OTHER PROGRAMS
P8
DIAGRAMS
P9
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
P 10
INNOVATIVE PROGRAM
P 11
CONCLUSION
P 11
2
1 - CIRCULATION DESK
IRC Collection
In FY 2015, 8,817 visitors used the IRC resources estimated at 4,673 books (55% in English and 45%
in French) including 464 reference books, 65 electronic documents, and 3 computers and 16 laptops
with Internet access for the IRC clients through the DIN, 13 ipads, 8 mp3, 6 kindles. The IRC has
12,229 patrons, including decision makers, professionals, 8,859 graduate and undergraduate students,
and 1,034 children aged from 05 to 17 years old. (Current statistics – September 2015).
FIGURES OF BOOKS CHECKED OUT
BY MATERIAL TYPE IN FY 2015
3
2 – IRC PROGRAMS
2.1 - BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Book of the Month Program is designed for decision makers and young leaders. It is a conference
(followed by debate) based on the Nouveaux Horizons (NH) collection as a resource to stimulate reflection
about hot topics of interest to the host country or in the U.S. The purpose is to inspire and provide a platform for
discussion, hopefully resulting in problem solving. During the FY 15, the IRC organized 36 book programs.
More than 5,435 participants joined the IRC book programs (Book of the Month for Adults, La Parole aux Ados
and Graine de Leaders).
DATE
TITLE
10/30/2014
11/06/2014
12/23/2015
12/11/2015
01/22/2015
02/26/2015
03/26 2015
04/23/2015
05/07/2015
06/30/2015
07/30/2015
09/24/2015
BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR ADULTS
‘Le gêne de l’Innovateur’
‘Marketing 3.0’
‘En Avant Toutes’
‘L’invention des Droits de l’Homme’
MKD : ‘Je fais un reve’
‘Colin Powell un enfant du Bronx
En avant toutes
Economie de l’Environnement et Développement dural
‘Les mots sont comme des fenêtres’
Le Nouvel ordre financier
Savoir défendre ses idées
L’Art d’apprendre
ATTENDEES
85
75
500
50
80
85
415
85
120
122
125
130
LA PAROLE AUX ADOS
10/22/2014
10/22/2014
11/19/2014
11/20/2014
11/28/2014
12/17/2014
01/29/2015
02/04/2015
03/11/2015
03/18/2015
04/22/2015
06/01/2015
09/23/2015
L’art d’apprendre with High School Ehivet Gbagbo
Comment developer son leadership with Victor Schoelcher
Saisis ta chance with Institut LKM Yopougon
L’Art d’apprendre with the Lycee Professionnel de Yopougon
En avant Toutes with Vincent le Leader
Book of Year celebration at Yopougon
Saisi ta Chance with Pierre Gadier Yopougon
‘Je fais un rêve’ with ISCA Adjamé
En avant toutes with Lycee Mocerne Andokoi Yopougon
Le Chemin Parcouru at the American Shelf Grd-Bassam
Chaisis ta chance with American Shelf Abobo
Chaisis ta Chance with Lycee Moderne Djedji Amondji Adjamé
Le garcon qui dompta le vent at AS Bingerville
250
400
250
250
75
300
211
150
200
300
100
85
127
GRAINE DE LEADERS
10/22/2014
Laves-toi les mains
65
11/20/2014 Les géants de la science Albert Einstein
82
12/10/2014
110
SOS Enfants du Monde with Groupe Scolaire Anono
4
01/21/2015
02/11/2015
03/25/2015
04/22/2015
05/27/2015
06/03/2015
07/01/2015
09/16/2015
I have a Dream with Espoir des Mamans
Des pas de géants pour changer le monde
A comme Amelia with Ecole Internationale la Rosee
Earth Day based on ‘Je sauve la terre’
Groupe Scolaire la Nouvelle Rosée
World Ocean D. based on ‘Je Sauve l’Ocean’ with Ecole la Rosee
4th of July celebration ‘Je decouvre l’Amerique’
14 Vaches pour l’Amerique
TOTAL
95
90
104
90
61
50
60
58
5,435
2.2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PROGRAMS
2.2.1 - CHILDREN STORYTELLING SESSION
This program is designed for primary school children to empower them with fundamental English
Language skills.
DATE
10/01/2014
10/08/2014
10/15/2014
11/05/2014
11/05/2014
11/12/2014
11/12/2014
11/26/2014
12/03/2015
10/10/2014
01/14/2015
01/21/2015
01/28/2015
02/11/2015
02/18/2015
03/02/2015
03/04/2015
03/11/2015
03/18/2015
03/25/2015
04/01/2015
04/08/2015
04/15/2015
TITLE
Entrepreneurship for Kids with JFM
Entrepreneurship for Kids with English Business Institute
Entrepreneurship for Kids CMS Yopougon Kouté
Entrepreneurship for kids with MACI Canada 1
Children Storytelling Session with E. Primaire Methodist at SILA 2
Children Storytelling Session with E. MACI canada at SILA 3
Children Storytelling Session with E. MACI canada 4
Children Storytelling Session with E. MACI canada 5
Children Storytelling Session on AIDS with GSM Koumassi
Children Storytelling Session with E. MACI canada at JILE
Children Storytelling Session with Fondation Alfred Nobel
Session with children from Ass. Fem. Victimes de Guerre
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. Djecket Havre de Paix
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. Grace parfait de Yopougon
Children Storytelling Session on BHM with ONG UGFVG
Children Storytelling Session on WWF day at Abidjan National Zoo
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. Les Lauréades
Children Storytelling Session with ONG Jesus Family Ministry
Children Storytelling Session G.S. Divine Sagesse Yopougon
Children Storytelling Session EPP Baradji Koumassi
Children Storytelling Session with Young English Academy
Children Storytelling Session children from Union Gle de Femmes
Victimes de Guerre
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. Les Adorables
ATTENDEES
15
12
57
33
35
30
30
30
37
88
33
42
30
27
38
36
80
15
28
45
25
28
20
5
04/22/2015
04/29/2015
05/13/2015
05/20/2015
06/10/2015
06/17/2015
07/08/2015
09/16/2015
Children Storytelling Session with students from G.S. Divine
Sagesse
Children Storytelling Session on JAZZ with G.S. Kwagnis Yopougon
Children Storytelling Session with Amazing Grace International
School
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. IKTUS Yopougon (group 1)
Children Storytelling Session with G.S. Les Papillons
Children Storytelling Session with Berthel International School
Children Storytelling Session with Berthel International School
Children Storytelling Session / STEM with G.S. Assinie Mafia
TOTAL
20
36
34
42
29
12
35
25
1,047
2.2.2 - ENGLISH FOR YOUTH
This English language learning program is designed for high school students and English Speaking
clubs.
DATE
10/01/2014
10/08/2014
11/20/2014
12/10/2014
12/12/2014
12/17/2014
01/29/2015
02/12/2015
03/11/2015
04/01/2015
04/08/2015
04/29/2015
06/06/2015
07/29/2015
TOTA L
TITLE
English for Youth with CSM Yopougon Koute
English for Youth with English Business Institute
English for Youth with College Jean-Mermos
English for Youth with Alfred Nobel English Club
English for Youth with Young Entrepreneurs
English for Youth with CSM Yopougon Koute
e-reading on MLK with IRC English Club
e-reading session with IRC English Club
English for Youth with College Sainte Marie Dabou
English for Youth with Jules Vernes 1 on American Presidents
English for Youth with Jules Vernes 2
English for Youth with College le Figuier
English for Youth with Lycee Municipal Marcory
English for Youth with cours Loko
ATTENDEES
10
20
28
100
40
30
17
15
36
15
15
18
30
35
407
6
2.3 - IRC CONFERENCES
The IRC conferences are an introduction to the IRC and its services and resources for new patrons and
target audiences. This program is designed for a group of individuals. In FY 2015, the IRC reached
approximately 2,066 attendees through 26 conferences.
DATE
10/08/2014
10/16/2014
11/07/2014
11/10/2014
11/10/2014
11/25/2014
12/03/2014
02/05/2015
02/25/2015
03/02/2015
03/05/2015
03/12/2015
03/12/2015
03/12/2015
04/09/2015
04/15/2015
04/17/2015
05/20/2015
05/21/2015
05/58/2015
06/11/2015
06/18/2015
07/16/2015
07/22/2015
07/23/2015
07/28/2015
TOTA L
TITLE
Conference on ‘Le Gene de l’Innovateur’ at AIBS
Entrepreneurship conference on Rework at the University of
Cocody
American On American Literature at SILA
World Science Day ‘Girls and Mathematics”
World Science Day with Mrs. Netia McCray
International Day for elimination of Violence against Women
Day of Person with disabilities: JWAS demonstration
BHM Conference on AMISTAD
Black History Month Colin Powell at EMPT
Women Leadership: Natural African Hair
Women Leadership Conference with Raising Sun
En Avant Toutes with LES Staff
Comment developper son Leadership with Association des
Etudients Juristes at University of FHB
BHM Closing Ceremony
Devenez un Grand Leader with ONG Planete Paix
Saisie ta chance with College Ehivet Bonoua
Bring Your Child to Work conference in the IRC
Comment developper son leadership with members of
American Shelf Grand-Bassam
Saisis ta chance with G.S. Henri Barbusse
Saisis ta chance with members with youth of the Assemblee
de Dieu Marcory
Comment developer son Leadership with International
Summer Village
Comment gerer ses émotions with students from Psychology
students
Comment developer son leadership with Students from the
Department of Sociology
ADA Conference
Libraries of the future
Conference on American Philosophy at CIRES
ATTENDEES
75
90
80
120
70
70
10
150
300
70
20
18
208
105
50
50
35
72
50
45
58
55
85
75
20
85
2,066
7
2.4 - VIDEO CHATS
DATE
10/16/2014
10/23/2014
11/13/2014
03/19/2015
07/08/2015
TITLE
Video chat on YALI 2015 Application
Video chat Women and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship week: Women and
Entrepreneurship
DVC with Magate : ‘Pourquoi pas maintenant?’
DVC Investing in Entrepreneurs
TOTAL
On Site
25
63
Followers
120
250
250
30
85
50
253
300
150
1,070
2.5 - IRC TRAININGS
DATE
10/01/2014
10/30/2014
01/07/2015
01/07/2015
03/11/2015
04/30/2015
09/09/2015
TOPICS
MOOC Lunching on Start your own business
Workshop on Ideation, Finance and Hard work
Librarians workshop:
12 Leadership Training sessions with G.S. Victor
Shoelcher
12 Leadership Training sessions with Fondation
Alfred Nobel
12 Leadership Training sessions with members of AC
CIRES
American Shelves workshop
Total
Hours
1 month
1 day
2 days
Participants
36 hours
22
36 hours
22
12
36 hours
2 days
TOTAL
2.6 - VIDEOS SCREENING
DATE
10/02/2014
10/09/2014
10/17/2014
11/06/2014
06/29/2015
TOTAL
TITLE
The pursuit of Happiness with the IRC English
Speaking Club
Starting and Running your own business 1
Starting and Running your own business 2
IRC English Club discussion on Halloween
Lead with love to mark Pride Month
Participants
14
80
75
20
52
241
220
35
37
45
393
8
2.7 - OTHER PROGRAMS
DATE
10/29/2014
11/05/2014
12/09/2014
01/29/2015
04/16/2015
04/30/2015
07/29/2015
TOPICS
NH Books presentation to school Libraries
SILA Book Fair for Adults 2014
JILE Book Fair for Youth and Children 2014
Outreach to Adzope
Dedication of the American Shelf Bingerville
Jazz Appreciation activities
ADA Show
TOTAL
Total
Hours
4 DAYS
6 Days
Participants
45
12,000
5,000
50
300
50
100
17,545
In FY 2015, the IRC implemented 4 American shelves as planned in its strategic Plan 2015-2016.
American Shelf Bingerville, opened, dedicated on April 16, 2015 and operational.
American Shelf Abobo, opened and operational but not yet dedicated.
American Grand-Lahou, opened but not yet dedicated.
American Shelf Korhogo, opened and operational but not yet dedicated.
3 - INTERNET USE IN THE IRC IN FY 2015
The peak in the Internet use in the IRC in March 2015 is due to the increase of the bandwidth for
Video conferences on Women History Month activities. The decrease in May is due to the lower
bandwidth after the WHM activities. After the close of the IRC for the annual inventory in August, the
Internet use in the IRC slowed down because of establishment of the STEM Center, the installation of
new equipment such as the laptops charging cabinet and 2 charging tables.
9
4. DIAGRAMS
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS TO IRC
PROGRAMS IN FY 2015
The highest number in November and December is due to the book fairs (SILA Salon International du
Livres d’Abidjan and JILE – Journees Internationales du Livre pour Enfants)
10
5 – COMPARATIVE FIGURES
IRC VISITORS FROM FY 2008 TO FY 2015
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August: IRC
inventory
September
TOTAL
FY 08
2161
867
663
809
1096
951
1078
915
821
1071
20
FY 09
1182
1114
951
932
1069
1033
943
726
780
957
190
FY 10
1251
871
897
744
1073
1349
1038
931
956
977
429
FY 11
1251
874
897
492
702
813
41
689
901
837
757
FY12
752
875
722
829
904
1007
785
794
753
847
454
FY 13
719
691
875
900
891
871
1002
1024
871
1304
504
FY 14
1191
900
830
1014
1081
1293
1,154
1005
987
1119
59
FY15
841
687
594
842
784
941
943
701
806
1010
85
1072
1008
1107
856
519
850
560
593
11,524
11,677
11,623
8,437
9,177
10,502
11,763
8,827
In FY 2015, the number of patrons decreased because the IRC was in short of staff.
11
6 - IRC INNOVATIVE PROGRAM
The STEM Center
Post created a STEM Center to promote science, technology engineering and Mathematics and engage
youth and children in scientific careers. IRC held 2 STEM programs in this fiscal year (September 23
and 30, 2015). The STEM Center is generating a lot of interests among the target audience; this is
promising for next year.
Conclusion
In FY 2015, the IRC reached 37,274 people. This includes 8,817 visitors in the IRC and 28,457
attendees to the IRC 165 programs. The IRC staff will continue to generate attractive programs, to
better serve the audience. To achieve these objectives, the IRC needs more resources and support from
the whole mission.