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Over 70 English Access Microscholarship students and English club members participated in the Embassy's 4th English camp.
U.S. Embassy Hosts 4th Annual English Camp
On June 27 the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh hosted its 4th Annual English Camp, welcoming over 70 Cambodian high school students to the embassy compound for a fun-filled day of English-language games and activities.
In her remarks, Ambassador Rodley congratulated the students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to “work hard and study hard.” “This camp has succeeded in making language learning fun,” said Ambassador Rodley. “Keep up your hard work and seize every opportunity to learn and to practice your English,” she urged the students.
The students and their teachers hailed from six different provinces, including Kampot, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Battambong, and Phnom Penh. All participating ‘campers’ were recipients of the U.S. State Department's English Access Microscholarship Program.
The day-long English camp is in its fourth year and is directed by U.S. State Department Senior English Language Fellow Victoria Cardone. Ms. Cardone said that the camp was “a day for students to practice their English in a fun environment. They can feel more comfortable speaking English while making new friends.” Most importantly, said Ms. Cardone, “This camp will open doors for more academic scholarships and greater opportunities for these students.”
Ms. Cardone said that Peace Corps volunteers and student volunteers from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) deserve the most credit for brainstorming activity and game ideas for the campers. The two groups led the campers through a number of games and activities, including charades, “Simon Says,” and bingo.
“Students from RUPP worked very hard to apply the skills they learned in their English Language Teaching Methodology class to the camp,” Ms. Cardone said.
Hem Sokchan, a 22 year-old RUPP math major said she was very excited to be a camp leader. She volunteered for the English Camp to supplement her English Language Teaching Methodology class at the university. “I’m happy to join in on the activities,” she said. “I’m excited to meet students from different provinces and help everyone improve their language skills. Also, I’m glad I get to have a leadership role and learn what a successful leader does.” She had great hopes for the campers and said, “I hope that after the students finish today’s camp, they remember the games, the activities, and the new friendships they made.”
One 16-year-old camper said he wouldn’t forget the day’s activities. Mat Hmosa, of Kampong Cham province, said he loved studying English. “I want to study English for my future job. I want to become an English teacher someday, so I can make money to help my family and can help others, too.”
The English Access Microscholarship Program
The English Access Microscholarship Program provides a foundation of English language skills to non-elite, 14 to 18 year old students worldwide 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 U.S. exchange and study programs. Since 2004 the American Embassy in Cambodia has secured scholarships for over 300 students in ten provinces worth more than $177,000.