As reported earlier, by the funding of the US Embassy in Armenia and the “Children of Armenia” Fund, the “Access” program of English language classes for students will continue until 2021 in 15 communities of Armenia, as a result of which 500 students from 15 Armenian villages will have a good command of the English language.
During the signing of the program, US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills addressed to Education Minister Arayik Harutyunyan: “We know how busy your schedule is. This shows your and your Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the English language teaching in Armenia. The program would not justify itself without the Ministry’s support”.
According to Richard Mills, the next stage of this program will seek to close the gap that exists in Armenian rural areas regarding English language learning. “We have already observed the results. Over the past three years, I have met with the program alumni in different regions of Armenia. The results are amazing”.
Mills told that the students who did not previously speak English or had very little command, now are on intermediate or upper-intermediate levels over two and a half years. “In this sense, Armenians are quite capable. Not often we have such results in other countries”.
Then the Ambassador noted that he is generally very fond of teaching English: “This is my language, and I would like others to have a good command of it. In general, having a command of any foreign language, whether English, Russian or Arabic, is important, but having proficiency in English creates new educational opportunities for Armenians. They can continue their studies at US educational institutions. English is a business and technology language: proficiency in it opens doors to technological spheres”.
Luiza SUKIASYAN
