Nambia EducationUSA Advising Center & American Cultural Center

EducationUSA outreach in Keetmanshoop

EducationUSA together with Public Affairs Section and The Information Resource Center, travelled to the South of Namibia, to Keetmanshoop. Keetmanshoop is a small town and most of its inhabitants are under privilege. Public Affairs Section has an American Corner in Keetmanshoop. This was a great opportunity for EducationUSA to visit the Corner in Keetmanshoop and suggest programming ideas. Also to look at the necessary resources that is needed to promote studying in the U.S. The major part of the outreach was the introductory lectures at the different schools. EducationUSA visited a private school and an underprivileged school during our two day visit. Meetings with the principals of the different schools as well as with the guidance counselors proved to have been very valuable. EducationUSA presented a workshop with all the guidance teachers from all the respective high schools in Keetmanshoop. This workshop was about How to Write Effective Recomendation Letters for Students. Promotional material from the Information Resource Center and EducationUSA were handed out to the guidance teachers. Print material and handouts were given to both the guidance counselors and the students. Students were encouraged to make use of the American Corner for research purposes about studying in the U.S. Meetings with the Ministry of Education staff were also valuable meetings to attend as discussions about how partnerships and mutual understanding between the two countries' education systems can be encouraged.

EducationUSA College Feature: Carnegie Mellon University

EducationUSA held a College Feature session as part of its weekly Food for Thought group session on February 27, 2012. The college featured was Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Anna Lenhart, an American Fulbright Student in Namibia and alum of Carnegie Mellon University gave a PowerPoint presentation. The event was opened by PAO who addressed the students and welcomed them.
Thereafter, EducationUSA Advisor briefly informed the students about studying Engineering in the U.S. Focusing on the research process of schools, accreditation with ABET, the application process as well as scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students. Each student received a 2007 EduUSA Connections issue about the subject matter to continue reading at home. Anna Lenhart, an American Fulbright Scholar graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Engineering Public Policy and Civil Engineering. She has worked as a database consultant for the U.S. based on non profits and she is currently researching Waste Management in Ongwediva, Namibia.
Her presentation was based on Studying Undergraduate Studies at Carnegie Mellon University. The presentation included the student activities and different program choices with an intense focus on the Engineering Faculty. Students were particularly interested in the Cross-discipline studies and the dual degree programs offered in Engineering. This is not very common practices in Namibia. The floor was opened for Q&A afterwards. A new relationship was established between Public Affairs Section, EducationUSA and Anna Lenhart for future partnership.

EducationUSA High School Outreach: Windhoek International School

This was a follow up session with students who attended the first introduction session on Mar 01, 2012. Five students and one Teacher attended. The session focused on How to Find the Best Fit University. Students and Adviser discussed some of the self reflection, the results of it and the factors that are the strongest for each student's need. After the presentation students research the college search option on the Collegeboard website.

EducationUSA Food for Thought: Movie Discussion: Waiting for Superman

EducationUSA hosted a movie discussion with ordinary youth followed by the discussion held by the DCM on March 15. Youth were encouraged to watch the movie and identify the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Namibian School Education System. After the movie a discussion on these similarities and differences took place as well as what youth expect the way forward should be in Namibia.