THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ENGLISH ACCESS MICROSHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Surabaya, March 31, 2010

110 High School students from Bangkalan, Madura, received the English Access Microscholarship Program (EAMP) to study English in 2-years. The scholarship was presented by the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, Caryn McClelland, in an opening ceremony which was held on March 31, 2010 at her residence in Surabaya. The ceremony was also attended by the students’ parents, teachers or principals, the staff from U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, staff from CCE Indonesia, and American fellows.

The English Access Microscholarship Program in Bangkalan is administered by the Center for Civic Education Indonesia, which is based in Jakarta. The scholarship is given to High School or Vocational School students from disadvantaged families who have an enthusiasm and commitment to learn English.
Some of the Access students from Madura had never visited Surabaya before, although from Madura island to Surabaya is only about 45 minutes drive now because of the new-built bridge, Suramadu. “This is my first time going to Surabaya and it is a wonderful experience,” said Catur Lesmana one of the students from Senior High School 2 Bangkalan.

In this opening ceremony, they also had a good chance to practice their English with the invited American fellows and the U.S. Consulate Surabaya staff who are native speakers of English. They also tried to eat American food like pizza, which is a new experience for them. The students were happy with the day-long event.

The 110 students who received the scholarship were selected from a tight administrative and interview process. They will learn English for 400 hours in a two-years program. Each of them also receives a textbook, dictionary, stationary, and transportation fees. The curriculum is centered to English language in use. This program also gives additional knowledge about Western culture, especially American, which will broaden the students’ horizon on understanding other cultures.

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