After seven months of training, 35 Ecuadorian teachers created history at the Dominica State College (DSC) when they graduated on Tuesday from the first Teaching English Caribbean Program, whereby they were educated in teaching English as a second language.
President of the DSC, Dr. Donald Peters urged graduates to share their knowledge and use their education to better their country, and the world.
“In a world characterized by monumental diversity, each of you must use your education to better your country, and the world,” he said. “You have the education you will need to educate the children of Ecuador, to become global citizens, and become the kind of Ecuadorians who will respect diversity, and build strong society where your family can enjoy the quality of life. You would be well advised, as teachers, to share your knowledge with those around you.”
He declared the teachers “honorary citizens of Dominica,” and stated that DSC has become intellectually richer through the experience.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Francine Baron, pointed out that the program stemmed from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed between Dominica and Ecuador.
The MOU, she said, encompassed the teaching of English as a second language, under the Ecuador Scholarship program for the Teaching of English, established in March 2012.
Meantime, Baron commended the efforts of the graduates to assist fellow Ecuadorians who were affected by the devastating earthquake which hit Ecuador in April.
She expressed Dominica’s utmost support for the country.
“We were very saddened to hear of the devastation and loss of life that occurred after the earthquake in your country,” she revealed. “We just want to say to you that Dominica stands in solidarity with you. We know that there are challenges that your country will still have to overcome as a result of the earthquake. And, we, of course, feel the pain of the Ecuadorian people, and we want to assure you of our support and solidarity.”
In late April 2016, the Dominica State College (DSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, established the DSC Ecuador Relief Committee to raise funds to assist the South American country, after it was shaken by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Dominica has had bilateral relations with Ecuador since 2009.
Alexandra Cargua and Daniel Vega received awards for Best Overall Students, while Hilda Bedon and Christian Tupiza were named the Most Improved Students. Susana Palma obtained the award for Outstanding Effort, and Guisella Salazar was awarded for Hard Work and Commitment.
congratulation to all very happy you can share what you have learn back in your country wish everyone the best and may yahweh bless you all abundantly in your success
With total immersion they could do it in six months. Congrats to the graduates and hope you pass on the Dominican accent and idioms to your Ecuadorian students — ergo: Dah norse and the dorktah put a bandage on my big toe wee.
Congratulations. You were a pleasant group and hardworking. All the best.
Congratulations to each one of you. Now you can communicate (better) in English with those who can speak English especially in your country. I expect you may still have additional English words to learn but what you have learned will greatly assist you to grasp and master the rest and eventually speak general English fluently.
I expect your stay in Dominica was enjoyable and that you are looking forward to returning to your homeland to eagerly share how much more of the English language you have learned and able to speak, in addition to your experience residing in Dominica and meeting and making new friends.
Hope you were able to take many pictures of the beautiful island of Dominica.
You are honorary citizens of Dominica. Whenever you wish to visit you know you will be welcomed.
Good luck in your future undertakings. God bless!
Congratulations to you the graduates
in seven months??? wow
Yeh, it was a very intensive programne.
It was a customized course not a degree program.