American Corner Gyumri

Gyumri American Corner hosts Ambassador John Heffern and Libby Heffern

11:54am 28.11.2011

On November 28, 2011, the Gyumri American Corner hosted Ambassador John Heffern and his wife, Libby. Ambassador Heffern visited the American Corner to inaugurate the new study room that was recently renovated thanks to funding from the U.S. Embassy.

Ambassador Heffern and his wife, Libby, were warmly welcomed to the American Corner with open arms, a thundering applause and were even presented with traditional bread and salt. Many guests took part in the ceremony including representatives of Gyumri cultural and educational institutions, journalists, and school students as well as English language teachers from Lord Byron School.

After Ambassador Heffern welcomed guests to the American Corner, he proceeded to cut the ribbon of the new study room which will also be used as an English club classroom and a children’s reading room. Newly received collections of children’s books and contemporary American fiction novels were also displayed at the Gyumri American Corner during the ceremony.
Later that day, Mrs. Heffern read ”Waking Beauty” (illustrated by Lydia Monks and Leah Wilcox) and “Too Many Toys” (David Shannon) to the children from Lord Byron School. Mrs. Heffern engaged the curious children in the story, asking them questions about the characters and events. Following Mrs. Heffern’s stories, the students and teachers were invited to enjoy some coffee and tea with cake.

The opening ceremony was a big success. Bright smiles gleamed throughout the American Corner, and the event was highlighted by local mass media including Tsayg, Shant, and Gala TV stations.