Thematic Calendar for Binational Centers – Public Affairs Section, US Embassy Peru

Thematic Calendar
U.S. & International Events
February 2023
This document, prepared by the Public Affairs Section (PAS), is a guide for American
Spaces / Binational Centers (BNCs) in Peru to create programs and activities based on
dates celebrated in the United States and internationally, as well as events organized
by (or in direct collaboration with) the U.S. Embassy in Peru.

Join the American Spaces Facebook Group to find and share new resources and
virtual programming ideas.

This guide is divided in five sections:

1. U.S. & International Events
2. U.S. Embassy in Peru and USG Alumni Virtual Activities & Events
3. Relevant Information for BNCs
4. 2023: Plan Ahead

NOTE: All hyperlinks to online resources are marked in blue text.

1. U.S. & International Events

African American History Month February 1–28

African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, is an annual celebration of
achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans
in U.S. history. This year’s theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity”.
 American Spaces: Black History Month Resource Toolkit (PDF)
 American English at State: Black History Month (PDF)
 American Spaces: African American History Poster
 Smithsonian Institution: Black History Month Resources
 American Spaces: National Museum of African American History and Culture Program Package
(PDF)
 GPA Photo Archive: Black History Month
 GPA Photo Archive: 1963 March on Washington
 Library of Congress: African American History Month
Movie Programming Kits:
 Green Book
 Hidden Figures
 Race

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 Selma
Kanopy:
 Alice's Ordinary People: The Chicago Freedom Movement
 Emancipation Road: 1963-1968 - The Civil Rights Era
 Finding the Gold Within: Black Men in College - Challenges and Success
 Gumbo
 Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes
 In Remembrance of Martin
 King in the Wilderness: The Final Years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 Martin Luther King, Jr: I Have A Dream
 Quest: An Intimate Portrait of an African-American Family
 Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (This film is classified - R: (18+) Restricted)
 Soul Food Junkies: A Film About Family, Food & Tradition

World Wetlands Day February 2

This day raises global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. Water
and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the
health of our planet.
 World Wetlands Day

World Cancer Day February 4

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is partnering with organizations from across the globe to
observe World Cancer Day (WCD). Sponsored by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC),
WCD enables individuals and partners across the cancer community to jointly raise awareness
about cancer and the impact of cancer control efforts. The United States government supports
international efforts to raise cancer awareness and encourages continued endeavors to prevent,
treat, and cure cancer. The U.S. also applauds the many governmental and private organizations
that work tirelessly to develop and deliver safe and effective cancer diagnostics, therapies and
prevention strategies for all patients – especially minorities and medically underserved populations.
 American Spaces + Smithsonian: Jack Andraka's Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough Video and
Discussion Guide

National Prayer Breakfast February 3

Every year, usually on the first Thursday in February, thousands of religious leaders, policymakers,
businesspeople and the president of the United States gather in Washington to talk about faith. The
event — which includes meetings and seminars before and after breakfast — is an opportunity for
the religious community to build productive relationships with political and business communities.
 ShareAmerica: The U.S. tradition of breakfast, presidents and prayer
 Smithsonian: The History of the National Prayer Breakfast

World Pulses Day February 10

Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. They
are important crops because of their nutritional value, food security, and environmental benefits.
 United Nations: World Pulses Day

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science February 11

This United Nations’ day recognizes that women and girls play a critical role in science and
technology communities as well as in sustainable development and that their participation should
be strengthened.
 American Spaces: Podcast Discussion Guide: 22.33’s podcast Season 1, Episode 64: Spaceship
Earth with NASA astronaut Cady Coleman (PDF)
 American Spaces + Smithsonian: Pardis Sabeti's New Look at Infectious Disease Video and
Discussion Guide
 American Spaces + Smithsonian: How to Grow a Human Arm in a Lab by Nina Tandon Video and
Discussion Guide
 American Spaces + Smithsonian: Teaching Coding, Empowering Girls Video and Discussion Guide
 American Spaces + Smithsonian: Why STEAM Matters (PDF)
 American Spaces: World Space Week and STEM Programming Resources (PDF)
 U.S. Department of Energy: U.S. Women in STEM Posters
Movie Programming Kits:
 Hidden Figures
Kanopy:
 Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
 Big Dream: Young Women Entering STEM Fields
 The Computers: Great Unsung Women of Computing - The Past, Present and Future of Women
in STEM
 Women in Space

World Radio Day February 13

This holiday aims to raise awareness about the role that radios play in society.
 Fun Holiday: World Radio Day

Presidents Day February 20, 2023

Presidents Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, in the United States, is a federal holiday observed
on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington (born on February 22), the first
president of the United States. The holiday is popularly recognized as also honoring Abraham
Lincoln (born on February 12), and sometimes all the U.S. presidents. Federal holiday.
 American English at State: President’s Day (PDF)
 GPA Photo Archive: Presidents of the United States
 GPA Photo Archive: White House Images
 National Archives: Lesson plans on teaching the U.S. Constitution
Kanopy:
 Abraham Lincoln
 George Washington
 Theodore Roosevelt
 Thomas Jefferson

World Day of Social Justice February 20

This day, observed by the United Nations (UN), promotes poverty eradication, full employment, and
social integration.
 United Nations: World Day of Social Justice
 ShareAmerica: Civil Equality

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International Mother Language Day February 21

A day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
 United Nations: International Mother Language Day

Women’s History Month March 1–31

The 2022 Women's History theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the
ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a
recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and
hope throughout history.

Movie Programming Kits:

 A League Of Their Own
 Audrie and Daisy
 Erin Brockovich
 Hidden Figures
 I Am A Girl (Kanopy documentary, available on eLibraryUSA. Ask your BNC library)
 Joy
 Norma Rae
Kanopy:
 Alice's Ordinary People: The Chicago Freedom Movement
 Big Dream: Young Women Entering STEM Fields
 East Side Sushi
 Half The Picture - Female Directors Speak Out
 In the Game: An Inner City Soccer Team in Chicago
 Lessons of Basketball and War
 Perfect 36: When Women Won the Vote
 The Computers: Great Unsung Women of Computing - The Past, Present and Future of Women
in STEM
 To Educate a Girl: Empowering Women and Girls in the Developing World
 Women in Business
 Women in Space

Zero Discrimination Day March 1

This United Nations’ campaign of solidarity stands up to racism and discrimination as drivers that
reduce people’s ability to participate fully and meaningfully in society.
 World Health Organization: Zero Discrimination Day

World Wildlife Day March 3

This United Nations’ annual day celebrates and raises awareness of the world’s wild animals and
plants. The U.N. resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global
observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.
 GPA Photo Archive: Wildlife
 World Wildlife Day Official Site

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International Women’s Day March 8

This global day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present
and future. The United Nations began observing International Women’s Day in 1975 – the
International Women’s Year.
 Additional related material and movie programming kits to celebrate this day can be found in
section Women’s History Month.

2. U.S. Embassy in Peru and USG Alumni1 Activities & Events

Scholarship for Peruvian entrepreneurs “Young leaders of the Americas” YLAI

Requirements to apply:

 Be between 25 and 35 years of age as of January 1, 2024.

 Be a Peruvian citizen and resident.
 Be eligible to receive a US J-1 visa.
 Demonstrate record of growth of your business or social enterprise for at least two years.
The business/entrepreneurship must be based in Peru.
 Not be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
 Master the English language (written and spoken).
 Be available to travel to the United States between March and April 2024.

The deadline to submit applications is until February 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm (Peruvian time).
Application link: Sign In » Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Online Application System
(irex.org)
 For more information: YLAI Fellows - Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (state.gov)
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=563526359154579&set=a.253665040140714
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnxBDloskE8/

Contact Alejandra Angulo for additional information to AnguloA@state.gov

RELO Andes webinar:

Presenters: English Language Specialist Kati Casto de Ventura

Contact: Karina García for additional information garciak@state.gov

Join through the RELO Andes FB page https://www.facebook.com/reloandes/

American English Live: Teacher Development Series 16

The American English Live team is pleased to offer American English Live: Teacher Development Series 16.
The six online seminars of the series will cover a variety of topics intended for teachers of English or future

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teachers of English around the world. At the end of each event, participants will have the opportunity to
earn a digital badge that verifies their participation

Participants are encouraged to view the AE Live – Webinar Resource

Center, https://openenglishcommunity.org/page/american-english-webinar-series, to view related materials
and find recordings.

The series will take place from January 18 – March 29, 2023. These 60-minute sessions will be held every
other Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. ET from Washington, D.C. (check http://timeanddate.com for the
local time in your region). Participants can join the live events at the above times
here: https://zoom.us/j/96503218412

Though not mandatory, registration is encouraged. Registered participants will receive email reminders
with links to pre-session readings and online discussions.

Here is the link for registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23WS16

Presentation Titles Session Dates

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Teaching about Save the Planet and Cultural Traditions While Teaching English
8:00-9:00 am ET
climate change in the Melissa Hauke
1:00-2:00 pm ET
EFL Classroom
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Promoting Authentic Language Use with Tasks
8:00-9:00 am ET
Linh Phung
1:00-2:00 pm ET
New approaches
to teaching core skills
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
The Line Between: Questions, Responses, and Critical Reading
8:00-9:00 am ET
Spencer Salas
1:00-2:00 pm ET
** Daylight Savings Time
begins on March 12th
in the US; your local Target Language Use in the Classroom: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
broadcast time may be Teaching Speaking Differently **8:00-9:00 am ET**
affected ** Jane Borisova **1:00-2:00 pm ET**

Drama-Based Activities to Improve Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Student Confidence and Motivation **8:00-9:00 am ET**
Deric McNish and Carmela Romano Gillette **1:00-2:00 pm ET**

For more information about the American English Live Webinars please visit and
follow: https://www.openenglishprograms.org/LiveEvents

As for printed certificates, starting from Series 16, these will be provided only when Viewing parties
develop the webinar face to face.

To learn about how to be a Viewing party to connect with other participants and get the chance to
earn a printed certificate when you attend 4 out of 6 sessions, contact your Regional English
Language Office at the U.S. Embassy to garciak@state.gov
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English Out and About: a 10-episode video for English language teachers and learners

“English Out and About,” is a 10-episode video series from RELO Andes.
The series was produced by four of our English Language Specialists and consists of 10 episodes
of about 15 minutes each. During each episode, our four specialists travel to various sites in the
US and guide us through fun facts, history, and culture. In addition, each episode gives a fun,
engaging lesson in English. This series is meant for someone at the B1 level (lower intermediate)
who wants to learn a bit about the US and improve their English at the same time. In addition to
the videos, we have practice activities to go along with each lesson and links to additional resources
for both learners and teachers of English.

Please feel free to repost and include all additional materials related to English Out and About as
well and any promotional posts from our RELO Andes
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/reloandes

Also, find the link for the episodes that were already posted in YouTube https://bit.ly/3P3Hx2d
and enjoy this amazing free online resource for English language teachers AND learners!

3.Relevant Information for BNCs

BNCs/American Spaces in Peru in the U.S. Embassy Website

If you need to consult information about the BNC/American Spaces network in Peru or to refer your
audiences to other American Spaces in Peru, please use and share this U.S. Embassy page:
American Spaces en el Perú.

Suggested reply in social media when asked about another BNC/American Space:
El [nombre(s) del BNC] no es una sede del [nombre del BNC que recibe la consulta], pero somos
parte de la misma red de centros binacionales peruano-estadounidenses (American Spaces), aliados
oficiales de la Embajada de los EE.UU. Para más información visita:
https://pe.usembassy.gov/es/education-es/american-spaces-es/

U.S. Exchange Alumni as Program Resources for BNCs

● Each year, outstanding Peruvians take part in exchange programs in the United States.
● BNCs can provide opportunities for them to share the insights and experiences they gained.

Alumni at BNCs can:

● Share knowledge and insights acquired during their exchange experience, since they are
generally experienced professionals and often experts in their fields.
● Provide firsthand accounts of what it’s like to live in the United States and study at a U.S.
academic institution.
● Create programs to increase understanding of U.S. culture.
● Teach English or lead conversation clubs.

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Finding Local Alumni

Send an email with your alumni speaker request to Alfredo Giraldo (GiraldoA@state.gov).

Upcoming BNC Anniversaries

Day Anniversary Founded
ICPNA Chiclayo (Chepén branch) February 2 19 2004

2023: Plan Ahead

February
1–28 Black History Month April
2 ICPNA Chiclayo (Chepén branch) 1–30 Jazz Appreciation Month
Anniversary 1–30 Arab-American Heritage Month
2 World Wetlands Day 1 ICPNA Chiclayo (Cajamarca branch)
4 World Cancer Day Anniversary
4 National Prayer Breakfast 2 World Autism Awareness Day
10 World Pulses Day 4–10 National Library Week
11 International Day of Women and Girls in 4 International Mine Awareness Day
Science 5 International Day of Conscience
13 World Radio Day 6 International Day of Sport for
20 Presidents Day Development and Peace
17 Random Act of Kindness Day 7 World Health Day
20 World Day of Social Justice 10 Siblings Day
21 International Mother Language Day 12 International Day of Human Space Flight
18 International Day for Monuments and
March Sites
1–31 Women’s History Month 20 Look Alike Day
1 Zero Discrimination Day 21 World Creativity and Innovation Day
1–5 World Ocean Summit 22 Earth Day
3 World Wildlife Day 22 Girls in ICT Day
6 ICPNA Región Centro (Huamanga 23 English Language Day
branch) Anniversary 24–30 World Immunization Week
8 International Women’s Day 25 World Malaria Day
14 Pi Day 26 World Intellectual Property Day
19 Let’s Laugh Day 28 Cultural (Arequipa) Anniversary
20 International Day of Happiness 30 International Jazz Appreciation Day
21 International Day for the Elimination of
Racial Discrimination May
21 International Day of Forests 1–31 Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
21 World Down Syndrome Day 1–31 Jewish-American Heritage Month
21 World Poetry Day 1 International Labor Day and Workers’
22 World Water Day Solidarity
23 World Meteorological Day 3 World Press Freedom Day
24 World Tuberculosis Day 3–7 Air Quality Awareness Week
25 International Day of Remembrance for 4 Star Wars Day
the Victims of Slavery and the 9 Mother’s Day
Transatlantic Slave Trade 15 International Day of Families
28 ICPNA Región Grau (Sullana branch) 15 Chocolate Chip Day
Anniversary
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17 International Day Against Homophobia, 17 World Emoji Day

Transphobia, and Biphobia 18 Nelson Mandela International Day
17 Cultural (Tacna branch) Anniversary 20 Space Exploration Day
20 ICPNA (Pucallpa branch) Anniversary 21 ICPNA (Ica branch) Anniversary
20 World Bee Day 26 Americans with Disabilities Act
21 Founding of the American Red Cross 28 – 29 Peru’s Independence Day
22 National Maritime Day 28 Milk Chocolate Day
28 Hamburger Day 28 World Hepatitis Day
29 Memorial Day 30 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
31 World No-Tobacco Day 30 International Day of Friendship
July 31 – TESOL Annual Convention
June Aug 2
1–30 LGBTQ Pride Month
1–30 National Caribbean-American Heritage August
Month 1 ICPNA Región Grau (Piura) Anniversary
1 Global Day of Parents 1 Sisters’ Day
2 ICPNA Anniversary 2 ICPNA (Surco branch) Anniversary
3 World Bicycle Day 2 ICPNA Región Centro (Huancavelica
4 International Day of Innocent Children branch) Anniversary
Victims of Aggression 8 ICPNA Región Centro (Huancayo)
5 World Environment Day Anniversary
7 World Food Safety Day 9 International Day of the World’s
8 World Oceans Day Indigenous People
8 Best Friends Day 12 International Youth Day
12 World Day Against Child Labor 12 ICPNA (Miraflores branch) Anniversary
14–20 National Flag Week 16 Tell a Joke Day
14 National Flag Day 19 World Humanitarian Day
15 Elder Abuse Awareness Day 21 International Day of Victims of Terrorism
16 International Domestic Workers’ Day 22 International Day Commemorating the
17 World Day to Combat Desertification Victims of Acts of Violence Based on
19 International Day for the Elimination of Religion or Belief
Sexual Violence in Conflict 23 International Day for the Remembrance
19 Juneteenth of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition
20 World Refugee Day 26 Women’s Equality Day
20 Father’s Day 26 National Dog Day
26 International Day against Drug Abuse 29 International Day against Nuclear Tests
and Illicit Trafficking 29 Cultural (Puno branch) Anniversary
27 Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized
Enterprises Day September
29 International Day of the Tropics 1–30 National Wilderness Month
29 St. Peter & St. Paul 7 Labor Day
30 Meteor Watch Day 8 International Literacy Day
10 Swap Ideas Day
July 11 Patriot Day & National Day of Service
1 International Joke Day and Remembrance (9/11 Anniversary)
4 Independence Day Sep 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
4 El Cultural (Trujillo) Anniversary Oct 15
8 Video Games Day 15 International Day of Democracy
11 World Population Day 17 Constitution Day
11 ICPNA Cusco Anniversary 18 International Coastal Cleanup Day
15 World Youth Skills Day 21 International Day of Peace

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22 World Rhino Day 3 Sandwich Day

24 World Maritime Day 4 ICPNA (Huaraz branch) Anniversary
25 Comic Book Day 6 International Day for Preventing the
27 World Tourism Day Exploitation of the Environment in War
28 ICPNA (Iquitos branch) Anniversary and Armed Conflict
28 ICPNA Cusco (Puerto Maldonado branch) 9 World Freedom Day
Anniversary 10 Veterans Day
28 Peruvian Independence Day 15–21 Global Entrepreneurship Week
29 Peruvian Independence Day 15–19 International Education Week
29 World Heart Day 16 ICPNA Chiclayo Anniversary
16 International Day for Tolerance
October 18–24 U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week
Sep 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month 19 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
Oct 15 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance
1–31 National Cybersecurity Awareness 20 Universal Children’s Day
Month 21 World Fisheries Day
1–31 National Disability Employment 23 Thanksgiving Day
Awareness Month 25 International Day for the Elimination of
1–31 TeenTober Violence Against Women
1 International Day of Older Persons 28 ICPNA (Chimbote branch) Anniversary
4–10 World Space Week
4 National Child Health Day December
4 World Habitat Day 1 World Aids Day
11 International Day of the Girl 1 ICPNA (Lima Norte branch) Anniversary
12 Columbus Day 1 ICPNA Chiclayo (Jaén branch)
13 International Day for Disaster Reduction Anniversary
16 World Food Day 2 ICPNA (San Miguel branch) Anniversary
17 International Day for the Eradication of 2 International Day for the Abolition of
Poverty Slavery
24 United Nations Day 3 International Day of Persons with
26 Intersex Awareness Day Disabilities
27 International Religious Freedom Day 5 International Volunteer Day
29 Internet Day 6–12 Computer Science Education Week
30 ICPNA Región Centro (La Merced branch) 7 Letter Writing Day
Anniversary 9 International Anti-Corruption Day
31 Halloween 10 International Human Rights Day
10 ICPNA Región Centro (Huánuco branch)
November Anniversary
1–30 National Entrepreneurship Month 17 Tarapoto El Cultural Anniversary
1–30 National American Indian and Alaska 18 International Migrants Day
Native Heritage Month 20 International Human Solidarity Day
3 One Health Day 25 Christmas Day

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