FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2020
U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation Donate Over 9,000 Books to Lower Myanmar
Yangon – In a ceremony at American Center Yangon today, the U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation donated over 9,000 books to 139 educational institutions in Myanmar. The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and the Myanmar National Library, have been donating new, high-quality, English-language educational and children’s books to Myanmar institutions since 2007. Over the past 13 years, the U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation have donated more than 280,000 books to libraries and educational organizations across the country. This year, the U.S. Embassy and The Asia Foundation are donating more than 18,000 books to more than 200 educational institutions in Myanmar.
“Today we reiterate our commitment as a partner to the people of Myanmar through book donations to institutions that serve people across the country. Literacy of all kinds and an informed citizenry are vital for Myanmar’s future,” U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel said.
Matthew B. Arnold, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation’s Myanmar office said, “One of the goals of the ‘Books for Asia’ program is to empower Myanmar current and future leaders by putting high-quality, up-to-date, brand new books and information in the hands of individuals, students, educators and communities. We hope to continue this program in Myanmar for many years and hope this program continues to contribute in building a knowledge-based society.”
Today’s event provided more than 9,000 books to 139 institutions in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Tanintharyi, and Yangon Regions, as well as Kayin, Mon, and Rakhine States. Recipients include university and community libraries, public schools, government agencies, and NGO and political party libraries. In February, a similar book donation event at Jefferson Center Mandalay will provide more than 9,000 books to 146 institutions in Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing Regions, as well as Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and Chin, Kachin, Kayah, and Shan States.
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