English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) has just opened at Nha Trang University with the participation of 27 students. This is a free language program for needy and deserving students...
English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) has just opened at Nha Trang University with the participation of 27 students. This is a free language program for needy and deserving students.
The learners are all orphan and poor 13-20 year-olds, struggling to make ends meet in their everyday life. 7 out of 27 children are students at Hermann Gmeiner Nha Trang School from SOS Nha Trang Children’s Village. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hien, a student at Nguyen Viet Xuan Junior High School, residing in Van Dang 2 Village, Vinh Luong Commune says her parents used to work as builders. When she was in grade 6, her mom suffered from spinal cord injury and then experienced a tumor surgery. Her youngest sibling is suffering from Thalassemia. Her family is in desperate poverty. Therefore, taking an after-school English class is just a dream for her although she is passionate about learning English. “The school’s quite far from our home. But it does not matter. I try my best to take her to school regularly. I hope my child will make every effort in study for a better future,” says her mom named Truong Thi Bich Ngoc.
Nguyen Khanh Huyen, a student at Ly Thai To Junior High School, Dong Muong, Duong De, Vinh Hoa Ward, says, “My father is sick, so my mom, who can earn a low income from working as a cook at a nursery school, becomes the bread-winner with all the financial family burden. I love my parents very much but I don’t know how to requite their self-sacrifice, except studying hard and get good results at school.”
“I like learning English but my family is poor and cannot afford any after-school English classes. I hope my English will improve after the Access course, so that I can have a chance to get a stable job to take care of my family when I grow up,” she reveals her simple dream.
 Teachers and students in the first class.
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The first class went on successfully. The learners at first showed inferiority and shyness to speak up in the class. Some dared not look up when introducing themselves. However, the classroom atmosphere became more positive with students motivated and actively engaged in their tasks, drawing and describing pictures. Some confidently raised their hands to speak up and share their ideas. Tran Ha Uyen, a student at Thai Nguyen Junior High School, residing in To Huu Street, Phuoc Hai Ward, confidently says, “My English is still not good but I hope my language skills will improve after the course so that when I grow up, I can get my dream job, a tour guide, an interpreter or a diplomat.” Hopefully, the program will provide a considerable stimulus for poor students towards future success.
The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-20 year-olds from economically disadvantaged sectors through after-school classes and intensive sessions in Nha Trang City. Teachers are from Nha Trang University and volunteers from George Town University (USA). The program also invites some international volunteers to give poor children more chances with interactive group work, school field-trips, etc,
Besides using the teaching material, American English Files series, teachers share experience in learning English, teach language knowledge and practice skills to each learner. In addition, students can also have chances to practice on computers, take part in extra curricular activities and join school field trips. Participants also gain the ability to compete for and participate in high school scholarship and other exchange programs in the U.S.A, which may lead to better jobs and educational prospects, according to PhD. Nguyen Thi Ngan, Vice-Chief of the External Cooperation Office, Nha Trang University.
Since its inception in 2004, the English Access Microscholarship Program has run in more than 85 countries with the participation of approximately 95,000 needy students aged 13-20. English Access Microscholarship Program developed in Nha Trang by Nha Trang University in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City is underway from September 2017 to August 2019. 27 out of 30 students are qualified for the Access class after interviews. Students are also offered bikes. Learners will receive certificates of completion when finishing the Access program.
Hoa Ngan
Translated by N.T
