DHAKA, Oct 22, 2023 (BSS)- US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today
inaugurated the new location of the Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Center in city's
Gulshan area.
The EMK Center aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote people to people
ties, strengthen the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh,
and is a joint effort between the Embassy of the United States of America and
JAAGO Foundation, a US embassy press release said.
"To the young Bangladeshis who will come through these doors - this is a call
to action just like those who came before you - to learn, lead, engage, and
connect," U.S. Embassy's Public Engagement Director, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan
said.
Embassy's Public Diplomacy Counselor Stephen Ibelli moderated the inaugural
ceremony.
The EMK Center is a hub for Bangladeshi youth for intellectual engagement,
providing access to a wide range of resources, including books, digital
materials, modern multimedia content, and online databases.
The EMK Center also has a modern recording studio with AR/VR technology and
one of the largest 3D printers in Dhaka.
The center exhibits photographs, paintings, and art installations of aspiring
artists.
It serves as a space where students, researchers, artists, and enthusiasts can
gather to expand their horizons, engage in discussions, and collaborate on
projects that contribute to educational and social development, said the
release.
The EMK Center also serves as an Education US advising center, housing four
expert advisers providing students with access to free services on application
processes for academic study in the United States.
The EMK Center hosts a variety of programs, workshops, and events focused on
areas like English language learning, entrepreneurship, STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), cultural performances, exhibitions,
and American literature and history.These activities enhance participants'
skills and foster an appreciation for diversity of thought and ideas.
U.S. exchange alumni, government officials, educators, students, and members
of the arts, civil society, and culture communities attended the opening
ceremony.
The EMK Center is a testament to the strong collaboration between the American
Embassy and its local partners, reflecting a shared commitment to promote
academic excellence and intercultural dialogue.