On February 18, 2022, the Issyk-Kul Oblast Library officially opened the Karakol American Corner’s Information Center for Media Literacy and Cyber Security. Additionally, participants in the English for Young Professionals language program were awarded with certificate of completion. The both programs are supported by the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic.
In September 2020, the U.S. Embassy allocated over 29,000 USD to renovate and supply new technology for two library spaces to make them modern and attractive place for people in Issyk-Kul region, as well as accessible for people with disabilities to ensure that everyone has access to the library collection and USG funded resources. This project supports the Kyrgyz Government’s efforts to create a more inclusive society.
The Karakol American Corner, which just marked the 15-year anniversary of its opening, offers a variety of programming for all visitors including cultural programs, English language classes, VR-programming, coding and other income-generating skills workshops. The library’s U.S. Embassy-supported Media-Center also offers resources and programming focused on countering disinformation and supporting media literacy. The center aims to equip people in the Issyk-Kul region with information, technical skills, and critical thinking skills to evaluate and analyze to information from different media sources. The center will offer Media and computer literacy workshops and continue serving as free platform to access information, develop personal and professional skills, learn English, and expand scientific and technical knowledge, as well as access credible information about the United States.
The Karakol American Corner’s “Information Center for Media Literacy and Cyber Security” is located at Issyk-Kul Oblast Library, at 35 Koenkozov St., Karakol and is open five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact information: tel: +996 3922 5 15 96, 2 07 61; email: ackarakol@gmail.com.