Remarks

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Judith A. Chammas at Onnesha School

Dhaka, January 29, 2006

• I hope you all remember September 29, when many of you came next door to the American Center to participate in the filming of a “Sisimpur” episode.  I met some of you then, and we all talked with the Muppets about the program and how much “Sisimpur” wants to help educate school children in Bangladesh.
• For us at the American Embassy, it’s very important that children enjoy learning.  That’s why we help with the “Sisimpur” program, which is based on a very popular American children’s television show. 
• Back in September, so many of you had fun here at the American Center during the filming.  I visited too, and I was fascinated to see how the puppets work and how the filming is done.  I was impressed with what good questions you asked. You paid very close attention to the filming.
• We were very happy to have a visitor that day: Mohammed Ashraful of the Bangladesh cricket team.  He told you about coming to the library.
• You will remember that the show was all about books: that visiting libraries is fun and educational, that you should be respectful in a library, and that the American Center Library will always welcome you.  I hope that you come often to American Center Library and borrow books and movies.
• As a way of saying “thank you” to Onnesha for their help with the Sisimpur program,   the American Embassy would like to present some books to you.  Your teachers and principal told us which ones you would like the most.  I hope you will enjoy reading these and learn a lot.
• When you read these books, you will learn about my country and about the world.  You can read “The Cat in the Hat,” “Meet George Washington,” and even read a book called “I Hate English!”  There are picture books, rhyming books and story books.  Enjoy them.
• Thank you.

Background information on Onnesha School:

• Chairperson Shirin Monem Khan.
• Two campuses, one in Banani and the other in Mymensingh
• Dhaka: 100 Students, preschool to A level.
• 22 teachers and 13 staff. 
• Founded by Shirin Monem Khan.  Onnesha opened 14^th February 1985. At that time Ms. Shirin was the principal, but now has handed over the charge to her sister Nasrin Monem Khan.
  
• Students’ ages range from 2+ to 18+.
• Onnesha means “pursuit of knowledge” in Bangla.  The name was chosen by Ms. Nasrin Khan. 
• Over 30 students and two teachers participated in the Sisimpur program.
• For the last 18 months or so, PA has invited Onnesha students and faculty to our programs.  Students are frequent visitors to the library and Student Advising.
  

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov