HANOI, June 27, 2022 – More than 100 Access students, teachers, and U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia gathered in Quang Binh for a five-day Access Regional Summit focused on learning, teambuilding, and service. Hosted by Quang Binh University from June 21-25, the Summit encouraged students and teachers to develop plans for community service projects in their home communities and to share their work through social media.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Summit, Chargé d’Affaires Marie C. Damour noted the commitment and compassion of the Access program teachers in the region as they guide their students to be thoughtful and active members of society. Chargé Damour also acknowledged the importance of English as a bridge to connect people, saying “The U.S. State Department believes strongly in supporting youth through our English language programs. You are our future, and English is a tool for you to make your voices heard and to connect to the global community. By choosing to study the English language through Access, you are wisely preparing yourself for a connected, global future and giving yourself an edge for future jobs and scholarships.”
Sponsored through the U.S. Embassy Hanoi’s Regional English Language Office, the English Access Microscholarship Program offers 360 hours of free English language instruction to disadvantaged youth aged 13-21 in more than 90 countries. The aim of the program is to provide these students with English language proficiency, IT skills, and soft skills, which are essential to improving their access to educational, research, and employment opportunities after graduating. The Access program, along with our other English language programs, contributes directly to the U.S. Mission goal of expanding English language instruction to promote international integration and economic development.