Embassy Newscentre

Embassy News 2008

American Corners CIRES and Tiassale Visited the Presidential Palace July 12, 2008

On Saturday July 12, 2008, forty (40) members of the American Corners - CIRES and Tiassale - visited the Ivorian Presidential Palace in Abidjan. The purpose of this activity was to draw the  awareness of the American Corners’ patrons on a symbol of Cote d’Ivoire independence and the story of the building construction.  It was also an opportunity to advertise American Corner programs.

The visit started with a brief presentation of the historical background of the Presidential Palace which was built within a year, from 1960 to 1961.  According to the guides the building materials were specially brought in from France and Asia.

Many important rooms and places such as the Cabinet meeting room, the Ambassadors’ room (where newly assigned Ambassadors hand their credential letter to the President), the President’s office and the Botanical garden were visited.  This was followed by a presentation on American Corners’ activities to the Palace staff members who reacted positively.  They  promised to become members of the American Corner and attend the English language development self- training programs, and added that English is an important working tool for them.  

The result was outstanding as visitors expressed their satisfaction and the possibility of a second visit with members of the third American Corner of Yamoussoukro was raised.