World Book Celebration at Stratford Library
STRATFORD, CT- In prelude to the World Book Day, The UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. will hold jointly with the Stratford Library a banned book event on Tuesday, April 19 at the library’s auditorium (Lovell Room), from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sheri Szymanski, the library’s director, will deliver the keynote speech about the state of book censorship in America. Panelists will read passages from currently challenged books or from books that have been banned in the past. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free and open to all
The executive director of the UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc., Angelucci Manigat, Jr. explains that “The goal of this in-person activity is to bring together a transgenerational audience celebrating the love and power of reading.”
This global celebration is at its 27th anniversary since the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization decided in 1995 that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on April 23, as the date coincides with the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare as well as that of the birth or death of a great number of other prominent writers.
UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. is a Bridgeport-based non-profit organization that organizes and supports activities that foster cultural awareness and international friendship. It develops free cultural programs such as book fairs, lectures, cultural festivals and art exhibits for U.S.-based libraries; and provides educational materials and professional assistance to libraries in the Caribbean and Latin America.
For more information, please contact UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. at 475- 470-4751 /info@unescocgf.org or the Stratford Library at (203) 385-4162.
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Inauguration of UNESCO Center in Connecticut
From left to right: Marike Louis, Vice-President; Ambassador Guy Djoken, Chairman of U.S Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations; Angelucci Manigat, Jr., President; Damicia Manigat, Treasurer; and Johnny Tranquille, Vice-President.
Stamford, CT, Nov. 5, 2017.— Ambassador Guy Djoken, Chairman of U.S Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations swore in the leadership of UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc., a new chapter of the Federation, on Saturday, November 4 at the Government Center, in Stamford, CT.
UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. is a non-profit organization that develops free cultural programs for libraries in the United States, and provides educational materials and professional assistance to libraries in under-developed countries. Its pilot programs target abroad Haiti, Nicaragua and Cameroon.
It also celebrates major international days that include January 27: Holocaust Day; March 8: International Women Day; May 3: World Press Freedom Day; August 23: Slavery Remembrance Day; December 1: AIDS Day. 
From left to right: Damicia Manigat, Johnny Tranquille, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Ambassador Guy Djoken; Angelucci Manigat, Jr. and Marike Louis.)
The ambassador gave an overview of UNESCO’s goals, activities and structures. He also pinpointed areas of actions where the Connecticut branch can make a substantive difference.
“The U.S. Federation of UNESCO Clubs is proud to welcome the UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. as its new Member. We look forward to working closely with this center and other stakeholders in Connecticut to help raise a new generation of peacemakers that will strive to make the culture of peace an everyday commodity through education, science, culture and communication”, declared Ambassador Djoken.
Angelucci Manigat, Jr., a co-founder and the executive director of UCGF, outlined the mission and some specific programs of the organization.
“Our members have access to nationwide conference calls with scholars, educators and UN Experts on issues such as literacy campaigns, global health, women and girls’ empowerment, and sustainable development,” explained Manigat. “Additionally, we offer to our members leadership skill development and humanitarian work opportunities year-round,” Manigat added.
Several business leaders, prominent members of the non-profit community and representatives of the media came out in support of the first public event of this newly-formed center. Stamford mayor, David Martin, stopped by on his way to a campaign rally.
Some guests signed up for membership as they appeared excited about the launching of the first UNESCO center in Connecticut.
For more information about the UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc., call (203) 981-5527 or email us at info@unescocgf.org.