History

The Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) is a legally chartered non-profit Nicaraguan institution whose mission is to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Nicaraguan and North American people.  The CCNN was originally founded in 1942, however in 1972 it was destroyed by the earthquake which devastated the city of Managua.  In 1991 a group of North American and Nicaraguan citizens began planning the reopening of the Nicaraguan North-American Binational Center in order to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.  In October 1993 the CCNN re-opened its doors to once again serve the Nicaraguan and North American public.

Definition

The purpose of the Binational Center is to be a self-supporting, non-profit, autonomous Cultural Association under Nicaraguan Law, governed by a voluntary board of Directors made up of Nicaraguan and US citizens. The Center will be financed by corporate and individual donations, membership fees, fees charged for language instructions and other programs and services, and special fund-raising activities.  Diversification of funding sources will assure the autonomous status and continuous smooth operations of the institution.

General Mission

To promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Nicaragua and the United States of America through quality programs of Language Instruction, Teacher Training, Educational and Cultural Activities, and an Educational Advising Information Service.

Emily Dickison Library

The Emily Dickinson Library specializes in social and cultural topics.  Currently the library contains 2,500 circulating and reference volumes and subscribes to 45 magazines.  It also has maps and tourism information about the United States and Nicaragua.  Its database on CD-ROM offers access to telephone numbers, books in print, magazine articles in their entirety and information about American foreign policy.  A special collection of English teaching resource materials is available to English teachers for reference.  

Educational Advising

A free advising service is offered to those  interested in pursuing a college/university degree in the United States.  Information is also available about scholarships offered by the U.S. Government as well as by some private universities, as well as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT test preparation.