In late March, US Ambassador to Moldova William H. Moser invited English Access Microscholarship Program students to join him for an annual afternoon of tea and discussion.
The 16 students were selected from an essay competition, with four winners chosen from each of the following program sites: Bender, Ialoveni, Orhe, and Str eni. Five program teachers and four teaching assistants also accompanied the students.
At the afternoon tea, each of the site groups presented handmade gifts to Ambassador Moser, and the students shared their experiences on the program, their work on collaborative projects with their American high school partners, and their future goals after the program. The students had the chance to ask Ambassador Moser about his interests and hobbies, and learn more about his field of work. Guests also enjoyed a tour of the residence, where they viewed the Ambassador's collection of modern American paintings and the ikebanas he created himself.
The Access group had the opportunity to meet Lauren Perlaza, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) at the US Embassy in Chisinau. Inspired by her encounter with the students, PAO Perlaza proposed new collaborations between the Access group in Moldova and other US alumni, in order to enhance the students' language and social engagement acquisitions.
At the closing remarks, Ambassador Moser encouraged the students to keep up with their studies in order to further Moldova. The students, teachers, and teaching assistants were impressed by the afternoon tea and discussion, and expressed their gratitude to all the people involved in the program.
The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English language skills to non-elite, 14-18 year old students through afterschool classes and intensive summer learning activities. Access students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future US exchange and study programs.
Click here to learn more about the event with Ambassador Moser.