A visiting delegation from the Cameroon Association of Librarians and Archivists (ABADCAM), led by its President, Mr. Alim Garga, and members Mr. Jerome Ndjock, Mr. Norbert Tangmo and Mr. Roland Denis Nana Mbakop, visited the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde on February 10, 2016.

They were welcomed by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz, James Baldwin Information Resource Center (IRC) Director Mathias Tientcheu, Reference Librarian Edna Enyeji, and Social Media Manager Dorine Takam.

ABADCAM presented their plan of action and activities for 2016 and underscored their priority to promote library services and education throughout Cameroon.

Mr. Quiroz congratulated Mr. Garga and his colleagues for their leadership and their vision in fostering availability of information and knowledge through greater access to books by Cameroonian youth.

“Your jobs and vocation as librarians are very important. All nations – Cameroon and the United States included – have the great responsibility to develop each day and to instill in our children and youth a love for education and learning. The fact that you distribute books throughout all ten regions is remarkable.

One book can positively transform the life of one child. In the same manner, the best way to combat ignorance, poverty, and violent extremism is to promote education at all levels, which is your noble vision, and one which we share.

The United States and ABADCAM share the common goal of promoting education in Cameroon and we are pleased to explore ways to strengthen our partnership,” he said.