April 13, 2021— The American Center in Bamako reopened on a limited basis beginning April 13 after being closed to the public for one year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Center is now open to a maximum of eleven patrons every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon.
To promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among Malian youth, the American Center in Bamako screened the popular film titled “The Boy who Harnessed the Wind” and hosted a discussion in English about the film’s themes of how technology can help mitigate the effects of climate change, the importance of persevering through difficulty, and using one’s talents—whatever they may be—to serve others.
The film tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who comes from a family of rural farmers. From a young age, William dreams of studying science and develops a talent for fixing radios in his village. But in 2001, Malawi experiences a devastating drought, and William is forced to drop out of school to help his family survive. Seeking to save his village from the drought, William builds a full-size wind turbine, which ultimately leads to a successful harvest. Word of his scientific prowess spreads, and he is awarded a scholarship to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, United States.
The American Center in Bamako runs weekly cultural and educational programs on a variety of topics like entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and studying in the United States. Services provided at the American Center include internet resources, library and database access for research, over 1,000 books in French and English, and English-language test preparation materials. To become a member, complete this form and email it to centreamericainbamako@gmail.com
