On December 30, the U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam USA Society English Training Center (VUS) held a graduation ceremony for the USG-funded English Access Microscholarship program for 21 disadvantaged children in Ho Chi Minh City. During their program, these students received instruction in English, American culture, and information technology over a two-year period.
The goals of the program are to provide meaningful opportunities for highly motivated students and to improve mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and Vietnam. Participants in the ceremony include Consul General Rena Bitter, Cultural Affairs Officer Malikat Rufai, VUS Chairman Pham Tan Nghia, and involved non-governmental organizations including Saigon Children’s Charity, Thao Dan Social Protection Center, Cau Ong Lanh Ward Women’s Union, Little Rose Shelter, Tuong Lai Project, Thang Long English & Vocational School, Anh Linh School, Tre Xanh Shelter, Hoc Mon District Social Protection Center, as well as parents of participating students. Graduating students demonstrated their new English skills as they thanked their dedicated teachers and the U.S. Consulate General for the opportunity.
