Background

Okay, so I admit there may be something a wee bit egotistical about doing a blog, and well, there is that, but also as I have to create a journal for the People to People Ambassador program, I admit that this experiment is two-fold and will serve both purposes.

Here's some background on the trip (Okay, alot of background, and probably more than anyone in their right mind would want to read): On January 30th I received a letter from the People to People Citizen Ambassador Program out of Spokane Washington inviting me to be part of the Library Science Delegation to South Africa in October.

What is a Citizen Ambassador Program? Citizen Ambassadors represent their profession and continue the traditions (of over 50 years) of international dialogue in their profession. The Citizen Ambassador Program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a vehicle to expand international relations beyond the structure of government agencies. People to People International is a nonpolitical, private-sector organization dedicated to promoting international peace and understanding. Face-to-face meetings and interactions with South African counterparts yield immediate professional applications and personal insights for delegates and their counterparts and produces long-term collaborations. An average delegation is made up of 20-40 participants.

I sent an application outlining my professional and educational background and was accepted into the delegation.

During a regular board meeting of the Jay-Niles Memorial Library Association Board of Trustees, I presented the opportunity to the board and offered examples of how I might be able to share this experience with the community on my return. A couple of ideas include: a slide show and presentation of the trip and visits to the Jay schools to share photos, local arts and crafts, and cultural information with local students. The board agreed to support the trip and use funds intended for continuing education.

John Berry, the past president of the American Library Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation is the delegation leader. Mr. Berry as well as the planning team in South Africa is responsible for creating the mission and direction of the delegation.

During the first part of the journey delegates will be staying in the Protea Wanderers Hotel. Upon arrival delegates will meet with a local representative of People to People Ambassador Programs for an orientation and cultural briefing on South Africa as well as to receive further information on the delegation. There are a number of professional and cultural experiences to follow.

Professional and cultural opportunities for the Johannesburg area-

Professional opportunities will include:
Meeting with Rachel More from the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA). This program will focus on the state of librarianship in South Africa, and LIASA activities and purpose.
A visit to the University of Pretoria. UP is the leading research university in South Africa and one of the largest universities in the country. The program will focus on E-learning and digitization in large academic institutions.
A visit to the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library. The program will focus on how distance learning challenges academic and other libraries.
A visit with members of the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room. The Reading Room is on the Mamelodi Campus of the University of Pretoria. Its’ aim is to boost the education of students in the community about science and related subjects.

Cultural opportunities will include:
A visit to Soweto and will include a visit to the Hector Pietersen Museum.
An event with the Consulate General of the U.S. Embassy.
A visit to the Origins Museum, a world class museum facility that comprises two museums: The South African Museum on Rock Art and the James Kitching Gallery. The exhibits will focus on the origins of humans and life on earth.
During the journey, delegates will be transported to Cape Town and stay at the Southern Cape Sun Hotel. This hotel overlooks Table Mountain and the harbor.

Professional and Cultural opportunities for Cape Town area-

Professional:
· A visit to the Cape Town Central Library. Libraries and Literacy in South African will be discussed on this day.
· Meeting with staff of the Stellenbosch University including Ellen Tise, President of the International Federation of Library Associations. The focus will be on the IFLA president’s agenda for the International library community, advocacy for libraries, the role of libraries in empowering society, and a discussion on how to better enhance professional exchanges between South African and U.S. library workers.

Cultural:
· Delegates will have a coach tour of the Cape Peninsula and Cape Point in the Table Mountain National Park.
· A visit to Camps Bay and Hout Bay.
· The Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Cape Peninsula National Park.
· An exploration of and a visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, home of the rare African penguin.
· A visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
· The Green Point African Craft Market.
· A visit to the home of a local family.
· Exploration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
· A visit to the University Sasol Museum.

Other info:
JNML board members have asked about whether I might blog my trip. I plan to do this. To see the blog, go on to the library web page at www.jaynileslibrary.com.

I will take a domestic flight from Portland, Maine to Dulles Airport in DC. From there I will be taking an international flight to Dakar and then on to South Africa. From the U.S. to South Africa it takes 18.2 hours.


I will be rooming with Roberta Stevens, the ALA president elect who works at the Library of Congress.

South Africa basics:
Official name: The Republic of South Africa.
Area: 471,011 square miles (slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
Population: 43,786,115
Labor Force: Agriculture 9%; Industry 26%; Services 65%
South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. It completely surrounds the country of Lesotho.
Language: There are 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. The most widely spoken are Afrikaans and English.
Cuisine: a blend of Dutch, French, German, and Malay flavors typically applied to lamb, beef, or seafood.
Climate: Very similar to the San Francisco Bay area. It will be Springtime in South Africa!!!
Time: South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.