Ambassador Urbancic awarded each student a Certificate of Participation on the last day of camp and expressed his hope that the students would use their English language skills to succeed for a brighter future

The U.S. State Department’s “English Access Microscholarship Program” has been in operation in more than 55 countries worldwide since it started in 2004. The English Access program in Cyprus began in 2008 and provides a foundation of English skills to local teenagers through free after-school classes and summer learning activities. The program also provides extracurricular activities to help students learn about the culture and values of the United States. With a stronger foundation in written and spoken English, these students will be better able to compete for future educational and job opportunities.

This year’s English Access summer camp ran from September 7-11, 2009 at Eastern Mediterranean University and was organized in cooperation with the Management Center NGO and “Sidestreets” educational and cultural center. More than 50 students enjoyed camp activities that included English-language games, walking tours of historic sites, photography, basketball, aerobics, and a rousing session of karaoke.

U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Urbancic awarded each student a Certificate of Participation on the last day of camp and expressed his hope that the students would use their English language skills to succeed for a brighter future. Also joining in on the fun was Regional English Language Officer Lisa Harshbarger, who provided consultations with local teachers on effective classroom management and marking techniques to motivate middle-school students to continue improving their English.