In Lubumbashi, 91 youth graduated from the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Program, which opens personal and professional doors for youth by providing two years of English language training.
Ninety-one Access students, along with their families, teachers, and local authorities, celebrated their graduation from the English Access Microscholarship Program, a two-year U.S. embassy-sponsored program that helps youth learn and improve their English language skills. The graduation ceremony took place at Lycée Tuendelee auditorium in Lubumbashi on Saturday, January 27, 2018. After the U.S. and DRC national anthems, Access program graduates, Ms. Nshid Mukand Daphrose and Mr. Magnifique Mpanga Mukelenge described the intellectual, social, and cultural activities included in during the Access program. In his remarks, the Minister of Education’s representative thanked U.S. Embassy Kinshasa and the American people for providing the opportunity to Congolese teenagers to learn English and the values of democracy, civil rights, human rights, gender equality, the environment, ethnic tolerance, volunteerism, and community service. Yolonda Kerney, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa’s Public Affairs Officer, and Edith Bawn, Congo American Language Institute Director, also spoke at the event. The speakers’ remarks focused on the importance of the English language around the world, and urged graduates to continue learning for a brighter future. All graduates received certificates of achievement, and a novel from the authorities.
