iEARN-Moldova collaborating on English Access Microscholarship Program

iEARN-Moldova has collaborated with American Councils Moldova, US Embassy in Moldova, the American Resource Center and alumni of various US exchange programs to launch the two-year English Access Microscholarship (Access) Program in Moldova on April, 1, 2011.

The Access Program provides a foundation of English language skills to non-elite, 14-18 year old students through after school classes and intensive summer learning activities. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 55,000 students in more than 70 countries have participated in the Access Program. Now, with the help of iEARN-Moldova and American Councils, the program will also benefit 80 Moldovan youth from underprivileged families.

The ACCESS model developed in Moldova is unique - it combines teaching English through Skype and the implementation of one iEARN project per each unit. iEARN Moldova country coordinator Daniela Munca conducted a two-day training for local teachers from the four selected regions on using Skype as a teaching tool and iEARN forums to communicate with teenagers from various countries in English. So far, the ACCESSS students have already implemented two iEARN projects as part of the program: Easter Holiday Exchange and One Day in Life.