With the support of the US Embassy in Myanmar, a two-year English Access Micro Scholarship Program was recently launched in Hpa-an. The opening ceremony took place at Thumaydarama Kyartawya School in Hpa-an on 4th December 2014.
Local teachers pleased with the new scholarship said that the project would help local children to learn English.
“The purpose of this training course is to provide children with an opportunity to learn English. Our target beneficiaries are students who are bright and haven’t had the opportunity to learn. The training is free of charge and we accept students regardless of race and religion,” said Teacher Nan Yin Yin, one of the trainers.
Teacher Nan Yin Yin said that by attending the Saturday to Sunday program each week, the students will gain skills for their future employment and further studies.
Each day of training includes two-hour lessons of social science and American culture studies. Teachers explained that the course is open to all and they can apply for the program. The US Embassy has a plan to honor the outstanding students by selecting them to be exchange students to the US.
Mr. Jitu Sardar, Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Rangoon told Karen News that the US Embassy intention is to provide learning opportunities to students.
“English language is very important, not only for this country but for all countries. It is because English is a universal language that most people use. The trainees of this program have many opportunities ahead of them. We are very happy to be supporting such a program.”
Naw Pan Phyu Phyu Say, a third year English major student, told Karen News she took up the offer of the training to further her English.
“I came to attend this training because I’m very interested in learning English and that is why I applied for this program. I hope to advance my English skills by attending this training.”
More than 100 people attended the opening ceremony. Those present included Mr. Peter Fasnacht, Public Diplomacy Officer, Mr. Jitu Sardar, Public affairs officer, U Winston Pugh, Cultural Affairs Specialist, Mhan Aung Pyi Soe (Vice president of Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party), religious leaders around Hpa-an, NGOs representatives and students.
The US embassy previously launched its English Access Micro Scholarship Program in Myit Kyi Nar (Kachin State), Sagaing, Kyaukse, Mawlamyaing, Mandalay, Ho Pone, Pyi and Pa Thein.
