The United States opened a new Center for cultural exchange, language study, and other programming on November 17. Located in U.S. Embassy’s historic That Dam compound, the new facility is known as The American Center @ That Dam. More than one hundred people visited the Center on opening day. Mr. Vannakon, who participated in one of the many free English classes, said “It is very, very, exciting to be here today. The new facility is wonderful.”
The American Center is the latest symbol of the growing U.S.-Lao relationship. One year ago, the U.S. opened its new Embassy at Km. 9 on Thadeua Road, a structure which has been internationally acclaimed for its environmental and architectural achievements. As U.S. Ambassador to Laos Daniel Clune explained, “The American Center @ That Dam represents the United States’ commitment to education in Laos and its investment in Lao youth.”
The Center features a large auditorium that seats over one hundred people, a library, and a classroom. It also has a collection of more than fifteen hundred books and a bank of computers and iPads for public use.
The American Center @ That Dam is open on Tuesday-Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm and on Saturday from 8:00am-5:00pm. Free English classes will be held on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 16:45 to18:45 and on Saturdays from 10:30 to11:30 and 13:30 to 14:30. For information about registering for English classes and other programming follow the U.S. Embassy Vientiane Facebook page www.facebook.com/usembassyvte/ or e-mail irc_vientiane@state.gov.
