Closing Ceremony of English Access Microscholarship Program
DATE Apr 10, 2024
VENUE H.L Gupta Auditorium
SPEAKER Mr. Micah Risher, the Regional English Language Officer
The US Department of State-funded English Access Microscholarship Program culminated at MIER College of Education with the closing ceremony on April 9, 2024. The program was launched on July 21, 2023, and 25 students from the B.Ed. course participated in the program. Mr. Micah Risher, the Regional English Language Officer, from the American Center New Delhi was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof. Adit Gupta, Director and Principal MIER College; Mrs. Rupa Gupta, Jt. Director MIER; HoDs School of Education and School of Social Sciences and Humanities along with faculty members and B.Ed. Semester III students attended the program. The Access programme was organised under the able guidance of Ms Jasleen Mohial, Coordinator of the Access Program while Dr Reeta Dwivedi and Ms Arpana Koul Assistant Professors at MIER College of Education conducted the classroom activities.
Prof. Adit Gupta extended a warm welcome to the audience and said it was a matter of great honour that MIER College received this program from the US Department of State, as this was the first time the Access Program was organised for pre-service teachers. During the program students not only became proficient in the English language but also understood American history, culture, festivals and food and celebrated cultural differences and similarities. He further added that this program provided a platform to interact and network with other students and teachers across borders.
The ceremony began with a melodious group song highlighting empowerment and self-acceptance, followed by the sharing of exceptional experiences by the students in the program along with their video presentation of activities undertaken during the program. A comedy skit titled “Cheque Please” was presented by the access students. After distributing the completion certificates to the students, a group photograph was taken.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Micah Risher shared his journey as a teacher and his very first trip to India, which left a profound impact on his philosophy of life. He said that he is very impressed by the English language acquisition skills of the students in the program and was overwhelmed by their experiences and takeaways from the program. He emphasized that the program is not just about learning English but also building confidence, developing critical thinking skills, and understanding different cultures. The Access program has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of students across the world.
Ms. Jasleen Mohial presented a formal vote of thanks, followed by the interaction of Mr. Risher with Access Program students and teachers. Ms. Ishu Sharma, a B.Ed. Semester III student conducted the program.
