DR graduates Ecuadorians in “English Immersion for Competitiveness” program

Santo Domingo.- A collaborative effort between the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) and the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPYD) resulted in the graduation of 15 Ecuadorian students. These students, residing in vulnerable areas of their home country, participated in the “English Immersion for Competitiveness” program.

Dr. Franklin García Fermín, head of MESCYT, highlighted the “Awana English Learning Program” as one of six projects approved during a joint meeting between Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. This initiative took place in Quito, Ecuador on July 13th, 2023.

García Fermín emphasized the program’s focus on promoting English language proficiency among young university students in Ecuador. He noted that the program prioritizes students from both vulnerable areas and ensures gender parity.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Awana-Mescyt program,” said García Fermín. “Their successful immersion in this dynamic and enriching learning environment has equipped them with English as a second language.”

Ecuador’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Santiago Martínez Espíndola, clarified that the Dominican government, through the aforementioned ministries, offers an English immersion program for 100 students from Ecuador.

Luis Kalaff, Dominican Republic’s representative in Ecuador, stressed that the project strengthens the English language skills of students from various Ecuadorian communities, aligning with initiatives coordinated by the Dominican government.

Sandra Lara, Director General of Multilateral Cooperation, emphasized that the “Awana English Learning Program” aims to train 100 Ecuadorian university students. The program prioritizes both gender equality and students from vulnerable sectors.

Marcos Guatemal Anrango, head of Ecuador’s Secretariat for the Management and Development of Peoples and Nationalities, expressed his pride in the program’s diverse group of 27 participants. These students, aged 18-33 and representing all 24 Ecuadorian provinces, aimed to improve their English language skills.

Launched on March 14, 2023, the program included 27 selected students and representatives from collaborating entities. It ran for 26 weeks with virtual classes held five days a week.

Blanca Alicia Tamaño Santacruz, representing the graduates, highlighted the enriching experience gained from the diverse group of participants. This fostered a dynamic and stimulating environment for language acquisition.