Ambassador Beecroft Highlights U.S. support for English Language Training in Aqaba
June 19, 2009
AQABA – Emphasizing the strong ties between Jordan and the United States and U.S. support for Jordan’s education development efforts, American Ambassador Stephen Beecroft today started the second day of a visit to Aqaba by inaugurating the second annual American Village English Access Summer Program. This is a joint project between the Directorate of Education in Aqaba, the Regional English Language Office at the American Embassy in Amman, AMIDEAST, and the Peace Corps.
This year’s program, which runs for two weeks, will host 200 students from the Aqaba region. Many of those students are also participants in the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) English Access Microscholarship Program in Aqaba. This summer program is designed to offer participating students a rich multicultural experience and educational activities, including English vocabulary related to environmental issues, community service, arts and crafts, drama, and leadership building activities.
During the inauguration, Ambassador Beecroft commended the students for their dedication and efforts to improve their English language skills. He noted: “As the U.S. and Jordan celebrate this year the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, we hope that programs like this will enhance even further the mutual understanding between our two countries and lead Jordanian students to exchange ideas and learn more about America and Americans.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Administrative and Financial Manager at the Education Directorate in Aqaba Dr. Jameel Shqeirat and representatives from the local community.
####