American Language Center marks end of August 2009 vacation classes
To mark the end of its August intensive secondary school English classes, the American Language Center organized an open house event. Students and their parents were welcomed and congratulated by American Cultural Center Director Cornelius Walsh. One hundred and twenty-six junior and senior high school students were enrolled in the August summer session. During the month they completed an entire module of English class which gave them general English language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension as well as grammar, vocabulary, and structure. They also spent part of the intensive program in “Language Camp” with American Peace Corps volunteers. In camp, they watched films in English, had singing contests, read poetry, played language games, and worked on various creative, cultural, and community projects.
With this intensive summer English program, PAS Ouaga reinforced U.S. support for quality English instruction for the youth of Burkina Faso. This program also demonstrated American commitment to share American culture and values with Burkinabe students. Through the language camp activities, students and teachers were able to explore and dialogue on a number of important themes including the environment, democracy, and gender issues. This program was an effective vehicle for promoting the English language and thereby helping the Burkinabe youth develop a very important marketable skill: English proficiency.