Article
English Access Microscholarship Program:
Chargé Twining Awards End-of-term Certificates to Sixty-five Students
Students taking part in the English Access Microscholarship Program received their end-of-term certificates during a ceremony held at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador on August 25, 2008. Mr. Charles H. Twining, Chargé d' affaires of the U.S. Embassy, chaired the certificate-giving ceremony, in the presence of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Madow Y. Nagou, the Director of the English Language Center, Ms Edina Bedou-Djondo, teachers, and parents.
The English Access Microscholarship Program was launched in 2004 by the Office of English Language Programs of the State Department, through the Public Affairs Sections (PAS) of American Embassies and the Bureau of Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This program empowers non-elite 14 to 18 year-old students in predominantly Muslim communities to study English while being familiarized with the American culture and democratic value, which will enable them to successfully take part in the social and economic development of their countries. The program aims to promote education and mutual understanding between the American people and the peoples of the world, especially countries with a strong Muslim population density. Under the supervision of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, the English Language Center of Lomé implements the Microscholarship program in Togo.
Sixty-five Togolese students who met the selection criteria participated in the 2006-2008 Promotion. They come from three main secondary schools: Complexe Scolaire Islamique Agoe-Zongo Groups 1 & 2 (36 students), Lycée d’Agoe (19 students), and Institut Al-Ansar Al-Islamia (10 students).
More than 10,000 students coming from 44 countries including Togo enrolled in the English Access Microscholarship Program since its launching four years ago.