Consulate General News 2009
Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain Students Celebrate U.S. Mission English Scholarships
March 4, 2009 – Al-Rifaa Secondary School for Girls in Sharjah hosted students from throughout Sharjah and Umm Al-Quwain, as well as representatives of the U.S. Consulate General, the U.S. Embassy, and English Language Services (ELS) for a celebration of the English Access Micro-Scholarship Program.
More than 100 students were recognized in two separate ceremonies for their participation in the English Access Micro-Scholarship program, sponsored by the U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates.
The girls’ ceremony recognized 50 scholarship students from Al Rifaa Secondary School for Girlss, in Sharjah, and Al-Mualla Secondary School for Girls, in Umm Al-Quwain. The boys’ ceremony recognized 50 scholarship students from Al Ameer Secondary School for Boys, in Umm Al-Quwain, and Modern Secondary School, in Sharjah.
Distinguished guests included the host of the event, Al-Rifaa Principal Mona Al Rasasi, Modern Secondary Principal Mohammed Ahmed Al Reeh, Al Ameer Principal Mr. Hassan Bellah, Sharjah Educational Department representative Fawzia Hassan Bin Garib, and U.S. Consul General Paul Sutphin.
The separate celebrations featured remarks from English Supervisor Ghassan Jarara, ELS Administrator Matthew Laubinger, and Consul General Paul Sutphin. The highlight of both ceremonies was the English-language remarks of students, who described how the English Access Micro-Scholarship Program has benefited them. Consul General Sutphin recognized all students by presenting them with certificates of appreciation for their participation in the program.
Since 2004, the U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates and ELS have partnered with local UAE schools to offer a valuable educational opportunity for 10th grade students, in the form of English Micro-Scholarships. The two-year program offers students full scholarships to study in English under the instruction of a native English speaker who is a professional English instructor.
Students develop their English vocabulary and grammar, focusing on fluency in reading writing, listening, and speaking. As a supplement to the classroom training, students meet with guest speakers and take field trips to the U.S. Embassy and to college fairs.
To learn more about this English Access Micro-Scholarships, please contact U.S. Consulate General Public Affairs Officer Bernadette Meehan at meehanb@state.gov.