On November 13, 2014, the U. S. Embassy welcomed a group of 12 university students and young professionals to its American Library for the November English Club. English Program Specialist Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo led the group through a variety of activities on contrasting and opposites in English. The audience reviewed synonyms and antonyms and learned how to use a thesaurus to enlarge their active vocabulary base. Creative activities were used from the U. S. government publication for English learning entitled, “Create to Communicate.” English Club participants created reflected pattern collage pictures and wrote diamante poems. This allowed them to reinforce their English language skills with opposites through a hands on, creative approach. This activity built confidence in these young Burkinabe as they were able to demonstrate ability to understand and follow instructions in English which allowed them to create original artwork and express themselves through poetry using their own English skills. English Club meets once a month at the U. S. Embassy’s American Library. It is an opportunity for students and others to develop their English skills. English Club provides a framework for improving English proficiency by engaging in dynamic discussion on pertinent topics of shared interest as well as creative and educational activities.
