AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER

Passport Program

Introduction

In accordance with the objectives of the "Kazakhstan Strategy – 2030" and President’s Message "To competitive Kazakhstan, to competitive economy, to competitive nation!", our library is actively promoting new educational programs, especially those that help in the study of foreign languages. Activities of Gogol library and the International book Department contributed to the opening of the American Corner. On September 09, 2005 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Library and the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. On that basis, American Corner was opened and the International book department was started.
In the President ‘s Message "New Kazakhstan in a new world" of 28 February 2007 launched the cultural project of building of a trilingual Kazakhstan, knowing Kazakh, Russian and English.
The American Corner represents our effort in joining 50 developed competitive countries of the world that are now demanding a new multi-lingual generation. Our newest Kazakhstani generation will be tri-lingual, speaking Kazakh, Russian and English with fluency.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev said: “We have a chance. The time has come, and new technologies give us new opportunities. Therefore, using the most modern IT-technology, we can make significant strides in this direction. New Technologies will enable us to minimize our use of foreign assistance and foreign language teacher invitation programs.
English is a vital means of communication. Today's changes in international relations, communications, and business require knowledge of foreign languages. Creation of the American Corner, Round-table discussions and various activities in the English language enhance the role of Gogol library in shaping the educational environment of the region. The new American Corner program “America on my Mind” will also augment the experience of library goers. The library is not only a group meeting place, but also a center for individual education and creativity. It is also a main center of communication and sharing of knowledge of the cultures of other countries and peoples.

Program Justification

Since 1997, the Library as been the Resource Center for the Teachers of English Association. The Karaganda Regional library, with 6,000 items in circulation, is the main regional source for English-language literature. In collaboration with teachers of English Association International book department, who are active in promoting English-language literature, we conduct more than 25 substantial training seminars and round tables discussions each year. Meetings of the club "Lingua Viva!" We discuss such topics as: Nauryz, Kazakh traditions and ways, Education abroad, American Cinema, Traditions and ways of American people, Environmental problems, etc. Peace Corps Volunteers are the moderators of the events. The main participants of English meetings are students of 7 major universities in Karaganda, local high school students, gymnasiums, lyceums, and everyone who has been studying English. For teachers of English we conduct training seminars on a variety of topics relating to various aspects of life in the United States.

The goal of the program

The program aims to increase the role of Regional research library named after N.V. Gogol in shaping the educational atmosphere the region, implementation Republic of Kazakhstan Development of Education Program, 2005- 2010, and provision teaching English materials.
Starting with 2005 Gogol Library takes part in Programs of educational exchange, administered by American Councils for International Education (ACTR / ACCELS). International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), and serves as applications collection center.
Department for library development, Landing Department and Department of literature and art are also involved in realization of this program. Their joint activities will contribute to the active promoting literature on the U.S. economy, policy, culture and art among the library users.

Program Aims

• This program realization aims compiling book and electronic collections in English for specialists and teachers of Educational institutions for improvement professional skills.
• Development of self educational potential of youth, development of intellectual and creative abilities of users in the process of learning English.
• Residents participation in the Programs of professional and educational exchange, administered by American Councils for International Education (ACTR / ACCELS) and the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
• Formations users’ abilities and skills of intercultural communication, for effective cross-cultural interaction between the peoples of Kazakhstan, the United States and other English-speaking countries.
• Formation EBD in English for users.

Expected results

• Book and electronic collections in English for specialists and teachers of Educational institutions for improvement professional skills will be increased;
• A stock of English books focused on the United States and other English speaking countries will be increased;
• Free access to references, electronic databases and Internet will be provided for all users;
• Literature on the U.S. economy, policy, culture and art will be promoted among the library users;
• We achieve the development of self educational potential of youth, development of intellectual and creative abilities of users in the process of learning English
• English movie room will be opened
• Gogol Library in becoming an active education center will be aid.
• Promotion of significant and important events of the United States will be achieved.
• Increase the mutual understanding between Kazakhstan, Karaganda and the United States will be achieved.
• There will be increase in number of readers

Work Plan