Embassy employee inspires students learn English language by sharing her own story.
The U.S. Embassy’s Exchanges Cultural Affairs Specialist, Uyanga E., spoke to an English Access Microscholarship class for their classroom unit about overcoming obstacles in life. Ms. Uyanga told the students about the challenges she has faced as a woman who is blind in a seeing world. Her journey to learn English without sight inspired the students, and she encouraged the students to be diligent with their studies. Ms. Uyanga also told of her experiences as a Fulbright Scholar studying in the U.S. She also recounted how she received her guide dog, which has enabled her to live with greater independence.
The Access Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to teach English to students through after-school classes and intensive sessions, and this Access class is organized through the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy at the American University of Mongolia.
Access gives students from economically disadvantaged sectors that talented and hard-working opportunities to build English skills, which may lead to better jobs and educational prospects. Participants also gain the ability to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States.
In closing her discussion, Uyanga asked the students who had just listened to her personal journey, “Now, do you think learning English is difficult?” The students responded with enthusiasm, believing that they could achieve their dreams too.
Currently there are two active Access programs in Ulaanbaatar, one at the EARC – EducationUSA Mongolia and other at the AUM.
