Inside the U.S. Embassy: Youth Leaders Learn about the Functions of a Diplomatic Mission

Youth leaders pose with Embassy officials. [USEYde Photo]

A group of forty leaders of Yaounde-based youth organizations visited the U.S. Embassy on September 13, 2012, to acquaint themselves with the functions of an American diplomatic mission abroad through presentation from Embassy officials and a tour of the Embassy Information Resource Center. 

Mr. Matthew McKeever, Public Affairs Officer, introduced the session with an overview of the Embassy. He presented the various sections of the Embassy and their specific activities. Mr. Jacques Kateu, Political Assistant and Translator focused on “U.S. Foreign Policy Goals and Priorities for Cameroon.”  Mr. Jonathan Koehler, Cultural Affairs Officer, briefed participants on “American Culture and Society.”  He highlighted the diversity of the United States and provided participants with some clues to understand American people and politics.

The last presentation by Mrs. Dorine Takam, U.S. Embassy Webmaster focused on the U.S. Embassy website and social media platform. She encouraged participants to regularly visit these pages, which provide reliable information on the Embassy and U.S. Government activities, as well as job and scholarship opportunities offered by the U.S. government. Each presentation was followed by an interesting question and answer session which showed participants’ keen interest in U.S. Embassy activities in Cameroon

The visit ended with a tour of the James Baldwin Information Resource Center (IRC). Participants were impressed by the book collection and other services offered by the IRC. Many immediately decided to acquire their membership card.

This program was initiated by World Dynamic of Young People, (Dynamique Mondiale des Jeunes), and aimed at reinforcing participant’s knowledge of key organizations that support Cameroon’s economic growth and democratic process.

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