The U.S. Department of State Honors Yves Chan Kam Lon of the National Library of Mauritius

March 11, 2009

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has elected Yves Chan Kam Lon, Director of The National Library of Mauritius, State Alumni Member of the Month for January 2009.  Mr. Chan Kam Lon received his certificate from Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White this afternoon during a lunch at La Bonne Marmite restaurant. It is the first time that a Mauritian has received this honor.

As a Mauritian alumnus of the Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program, Mr. Chan Kam Lon has contributed significantly to his profession and Mauritius. As a dedicated alumnus for over 15 years, he has worked to improve the library system in Mauritius, as well as increased appreciation and recognition of library science as a profession.

Born in 1949, Yves Chan Kam Lon is the Vice President of the Fulbright Alumni Association (Mauritius) and holds a Master’s degree in Library Service from Columbia University (New York).   During his studies at Columbia University, he received the “John Lewis Wheeler & Joseph Towne Wheeler Award” for his outstanding academic performance.  After his studies in the United States, Yves Chan Kam Lon organized an international conference in Mauritius and pled for a national library for the country.  In 1996, the Government of Mauritius adopted the “National Library Bill” and the National Library came into being in 1999.  Furthermore, The American Biographical Institute (ABI), which has issued a collection of biographies of personalities since 1967, awarded Mr. Chan Kam Lon the title of Man of the Year representing Mauritius 2008 for his "outstanding contributions to the country as recognized by the American Biographical Institute”.

The Embassy of the United States of America has sent more than 50 Mauritians under the Fulbright Junior Staff Development and Senior African Research programs.  Most of our Mauritian candidates have participated in the Junior Staff Development Program (JSD).  The JSD is the largest Fulbright program with Africa and provides financial assistance for a maximum of two years of study toward a graduate degree in a U.S. university or for participation in a non-degree research or nonacademic professional program. It is designed primarily to strengthen African universities through higher degree training for faculty members.