Soldiers promote education, build relations in Cameroon

GAROUA, CAMEROON

05.09.2016

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

GAROUA, Cameroon – Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Civil Affairs Team 8222 visited the American Corner in Garoua April 27, 2016.

The American Corner at Garoua was opened on December 13, 2006 by Ambassador Niels Marquardt and the government delegate of the Garoua Municipal Council. The American Corner is located in the Municipal Library of the Garoua urban community and serves as an English library and a hub for learning. The English Club is one of many programs the American Corner offers.

“We enjoy the opportunity to get out into Garoua and help promote education throughout the community while simultaneously building U.S. and Cameroon relations,” said Spc. Emmanuel Velez, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Inf. Regt., 2IBCT.

CAT 8222 coordinated and hosted the American Corner Garoua English Club in a continuous effort to promote a mutual understanding and public awareness to continue their relationship with their host community.

The class on April 27 focused on engaging in conversations in English. Over 40 members of the Garoua community attended the event with the U.S. Soldiers. During the class, members practiced their speaking, listening and reading of a basic English conversation.

“I am very thankful for the support the Americans are providing to us here at the American Corner,” said Harouna Ahmadou, Director of the American Corner and English Club. “We look forward to our continued partnership and working together.”

Soldiers from 2nd IBCT provide non-lethal support to their Cameroonian hosts as part of U.S. Africa Command. At the request of the government of Cameroon, U.S. troops are providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assistance via unmanned aerial systems to assist Cameroon in defeating violent extremists.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2016
• Date Posted: 05.09.2016 03:32
• Story ID: 197637
• Location: GAROUA, CM