Centro Cultural Nicaraguense norteamericano
WWW.CCNN.ORG.NI
Fall 2010 Edition
O 2010
NEW !! Professional English Program Read full description on page 5
CCNN has been amazingly active during the last few months. The CCNN “relaunch” in July was a total success and also helped us to set new goals to improve our academic offerings to our students. During August we hosted the First Congress of Young Literature, and it was a real accomplishment because of the interest and inclusion of a new generation of writers.
More than 200 New Titles at Emily Dickinson Library
“Nicaragua and the US in English” was celebrated last September, for the Hispanic heritage month and Nicaraguan Independence. Our students put their best to display the different cultural aspects related to Nicaragua and several US cities. We are also preparing our annual Summer Camp for children who want to keep learning and practicing their English with fun, nonacademic activities like music, karate, art and by taking excursions outside CCNN.
1
The blessing of the new CCNN facilities, by Father Oscar García from Colegio Calasanz, with the CCNN Executive Director Mary Helen Espinosa and the US Ambassador Robert Callahan
Academic and cultural activities
2 Part of the young writers who attended the First Young Literature Congress, Helena Ramos (in the center) and Eunice Shade were the invited to give a lecture about the tendencies of contemporary literature in Nicaragua. The organizers of the event are preparing a “US Literature Workshop,” that will be held at CCNN from October 23th to December 4th. see more on page 9.
Presentation of the book “The Güegüense”
9/11Commemoration
t Professor Rolando Ernesto Téllez during the lecture he offered at CCNN, as part of the presentation of the first translated version of our Native American Comedy “El Güegüense.” This play was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
A small and very serene commemoration of the 9/11 events was held at CCNN with the participation of students of the Sunday program and administrative staff. During the activity, a few words of recognition and a minute of silence were given to those who died during the Twin Towers, attacks.
3
Children’s program
This program has been designed for kids of 7-12 years old. During the program kids develop the four language skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing) through very dynamic and entertaining learning activities. In t h e c l a s s r o o m , s t u d e n t s c r e a t e , a c t , p l a y, s h a r e , a n d m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, l e a r n t o e x p r e s s t h e m s e l v e s i n E n g l i s h . They build up the language foundations and gain confidence to succeed in other English programs.
Memories of a Visiting Fulbright Scholar…
Workshops at CCNN
When I first walked into the CCNN in April 2010, little did I know that the Center would become my “home away from home” during my six-month sojourn in Nicaragua. As a Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, I had the pleasure of working with the staff and students of the Center in a variety of ways. I gave two professional development workshops to local high school and university teachers and four training workshops to the CCNN teachers. I went to the CCNN branch in Esteli three times and worked with the teachers there.
4
Armeda “Doc” Reitzel
Dr. Reitzel with teacher Edwin Ordoñez, at CCNN Language Lab during her workshop on Using Technology in the EFL classroom
Dr. Reitzel visiting the CCNN branch in Estelí
I spent quality time with the students as well. I gave four different presentations on how to give a speech to CCNN students. With the able assistance of Ms. Rubenia Olaska Borge Flores, I taught a children’s theater class on Saturday afternoons for two months and discovered that the Center had talented actors among its young students. I judged several presentations on the solar system and the moon landing for the CCNN’s Relaunch activities in July. I now know more about outer space and the U.S. Space Program than I did before! Every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. I looked forward to chatting with the adults who attended the Conversation Club. Our lively discussions were always fun. I also met with current and potential Fulbright students during the Fulbright workshop conducted by Ms. Alejandra Alemán. I am very excited about the CCNN’s new Professional English Program (PEP) that begins on August 30, 2010. I reviewed and provided input on the new curriculum. This is an excellent program for people who want to develop their English and intercultural communication skills for professional purposes. Whew! I have spent a lot of time with the CCNN these past few months. I will carry my fond memories of the CCNN with me to California. Whenever I get homesick for Nicaragua, I will pull out my album of photos that I took at the CCNN. Thank you to the CCNN for making my time in Nicaragua such a wonderful experience! All the best,
Dr. Reitzel and Ms. Rubenia Borge, teacher of the Children program
Dr. Armeda (DOC) Reitzel Armeda.Reitzel@humboldt.edu
New Professional English Program
American Corner
Book donation to the Emily Dickinson Library
5
Valerie Wheat (Cultural Affairs Officer), Mary Helen Espinosa (CCNN Executive Director), Col.Willie Gun (Defense Attache), and Nubia Manzares (Librarian), are pictured reviewing books from the donation on Sept. 2nd.
4
Designed for employed professionals and university students seeking to realize their full potential as speakers and writers of English at work, both in and out of the office.
Thank you, US Military, for the generous book donation to CCNN! Be sure to come and see the addition to the Emily Dickinson collection.
This is an integrated skills program that aims at developing the necessary language competence in order to successfully communicate in everyday professional settings
Library Emily Dickinson has 200 new titles
The funds of a library enhancement grant, awarded by the US Embassy, have been spent on interesting and up-to date materials for our students and teachers. Now the Emily Dickinson Library has new high-interest readers, dictionaries, an encyclopedia, reference books for teachers, and maps. Come to the library to read in English and learn!!
Course Duration: 10 levels 8 weeks per level Class Time: Monday - Thursday 6:15- 8:00 PM •
Integrated Business English
•
Public Speaking
•
Business Grammar and Writing
•
Preparation for the TOEIC
•
Lab sessions in every level
•
Sessions with experts in different fields
Access Program
EducationUSA On September 18th: The Adviser visited students from Jóvenes Talentos Program at UNI, in order to present the Opportunity Funds program. These students belong to Jóvenes Talentos due to their academic excellence. Twenty five students and five parents attended the presentation.
6
US Ambassador, Robert Callahan, visited the Access Students in Managua and handed out diplomas of acceptance to the program. Students told Mr. Callahan about their experience learning English and their plans for the future. Some parents attended this event too.
As part of their level 2 final project, Access students in Mangua performed two plays: The Umbrella and Around the World in 80 Days. In addition to demonstrating their progress in English, these young learners delighted us with their acting skills.
Last October 7th the new level 3 Access teachers gathered at the CCNN, to take part of a training session. Besides learning about the goals, methodology and evaluation of the program, these teachers shared their views about a more learning-centered approach to teaching English.
September 25th: The American Corner Coordinator, the EducationUSA Adviser and CCNN Managua staff participated in the College Fair organized by American College, a private local university. The Fair took place in Metrocentro. Around 200 people visited the EducationUSA and American Corner info stand and received information about the different services available at CCNN.
October 9th: EducationUSA and the CCNN attended the second Expoferia Técnica Universitaria
Nicaragua and the US in English
7
CCNN Relaunching July 14th 7 * Hip Hop Dancers teaching some steps to the students * The Free Style Contest * Ambassador Robert Callahan visiting the Library * Two mini-statue of Liberty celebrating the relaunching * Nubia Manzanares working with the kids at the Library * Level 10 students ready for the Solar System Contest * Ambassador Robert Callahan and the Vice president of the Board of Directors Scott Vaughn, cut the relaunch cake * Nicaraguan scientist Dr. Jaime Incer Barquero, gave a lecture on ¨The Man on the Moon¨ to CCNN students * Mr. Edwin Ordoñez CCNN faculty, sharing with our students, The History of Apollo 13 * Children program students wearing their astronatuts outfit
8
Regional English Language Officer Kitty Johnson visits CCNN
Last October 20th, 11 teachers of the Acccess Microscholarship program gathered at the CCNN to participate in a 5-hour training given by Regional English Language Officer Kitty Johnson. Kitty gave two workshops: “Introducing Pair and Group Work” and “Communicative and Other Good Practice Activities.” Teachers shared about their experience teaching in the Access program and learned about good practices in the English language classroom.
21 teachers, both from CCNN and public high schools, attended a workshop on “Learning Strategies” given by Kitty Johnson last tuesday October 19th.
MicroScholarship for English Studies Program
On Sunday October 17th, 22 students of the “MicroScholarship for English Studies Program” finished successfully their 12 levels at CCNN. This 2 year program was offered to secondary, university, and graduated students to study English as a second language by the US Embassy.
Taller de Narrativa Norteamericana at CCNN
On Saturday October 23rd, 20 writers attended the “Seminario de Narratica Norteamericana” at CCNN, this Literature workshop started with a lecture given by Dr. Ivan Uriarte, and will also count with the participation of Erick Aguirre. During the workshop Mr. Uriarte talked about the importance of US. Literature during the XX Century and its influence to different contemporary literary movements. The workshop was organized by Eunice Shade, and it will continue until December 4th. This activity was auspiced by the US. Embassy.
U.S HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVITIES NATIONAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. While it may have been religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday. In the United States, Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The precise historical origin of the holiday is disputed. Although Americans commonly believe that the first Thanksgiving happened in 1621, at Plymouth Plantation, in Massachusetts, there is strong evidence for earlier celebrations in Canada (1578) and by Spanish explorers in Florida (1565).
The Veterans Day National Committee also selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country. From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, these events serve as models for other communities to follow in planning their own observances.
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 because it is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
The First Thanksgiving by Jean Louis Gerome Ferris
9
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.
THANKSGIVING DAY
EMILY DICKINSON LIBRARY
AMERICAN CORNER
Offers a variety of services for English Speakers and English Language students.
Your corner of information on U.S. Society, American Literature, U.S. History, Government and Current Events. AMERICAN CORNER collection includes printed material, audiovisual resources on topics like: American Music, American History, and Biographies.
EMILY DICKINSON LIBRARY collection includes resources for English teachers and students. As well as U.S. literature, audiovisual resources, Encyclopedias,and current news.
10
EMILY DICKINSON LIBRARY has a reading area with three computers and Internet access, reference services and other sources of digital information. These resources are located at CCNN in Reparto Los Robles, ALKE Carretera Masaya 1 block West, 1/2 block South, House 13- 14. Open Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Tuesday & Thursday, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm email: library@ccnn.org.ni Tel. 2278-1288 ext.
This corner also has three computers with Internet access. These resources are located on the second floor at the Central Bank of Nicaragua Library’s reading area. Movie presentations are scheduled every week or by visitor’s request. All services are free of charge. Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tel. 2255-7171 ext. 238 americancorner@cablenet.com.ni Second Floor Biblioteca Roberto Incer Barquero Central Bank of Nicaragua Library By Pass, 7 Sur Managua, Nicaragua
EDUCATIONUSA EducationUSA centers actively promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering accurate, unbiased, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational institutions in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how to access those opportunities. EducationUSA Center is located at CCNN in Reparto Los Robles, ALKE Carretera Masaya 1 block West, 1/2 block South, House 13 - 14.
CCNN Newsletter
Executive Director.................... Mary Helen Espinosa Project Coordinator.................................Juan Rostrán Academic Coordinator ........................Franklin Téllez Culture Coordinator ............................ Alberto Torres American Corner Coordinator........Nubia Manzanares EducationUSA Adviser............Ana Alejandra Alemán
Educational Adviser: Ana Alejandra Alemán email: alexalem26@yahoo.com advise@ccnn.org.ni Advising sessions Fridays 2 - 5 pm
Send your comments to: culture_promotion@ccnn.org.ni