speeches by ambassador robert j. callahan

Remarks for Ambassador Robert J. Callahan
Annual TESOL Conference

Central American University
September 10, 2009

Buenos días.  Mis sinceras felicitaciones a la Asociación Nicaragüense de Profesores de Inglés, al Ministerio de Educación y a la Universidad Centroamericana por organizar este importante evento, la décimo séptima (17th) Conferencia Anual de Profesores de Inglés de Nicaragua.  Quisiera aprovechar esta conferencia, donde la audiencia tiene buenos conocimientos del idioma inglés, para continuar mis palabras en mi lengua nativa.

Though this is only my second time attending the NicaTESOL conference, I know the value of providing hard-working English teachers throughout Nicaragua new training and materials for English teaching.  I know that for many of you, this will be the only training in English teaching that you will receive this year. 

The U.S. Government places a high value on education in Nicaragua, not least in the area of English language learning.  Our support for this conference over the past several years, as well as our support of other English language programs here, demonstrates our continuing commitment to the people of Nicaragua; and in particular our commitment to the learning and self-improvement of English language educators and students.

Knowledge of a foreign language is a valuable skill in an increasingly globalized world.  In fact, I strongly believe that learning a language builds bridges of mutual understanding and opens the door to new cultures and ideas.  During my diplomatic career, I have learned to speak Spanish, Italian, Greek and some Arabic.  Knowing these languages has not only helped me professionally, but has enriched my life in ways impossible to describe.

Learning another language also provides an incredible opportunity to delve into the literature and poetry of another people.  For instance, I have enjoyed immensely reading Sergio Ramírez in the original Spanish and am still trying to master the poetry of Rubén Darío.  Your valuable work to teach students English will give them the opportunity to read Shakespeare, our finest English poet, or Mark Twain, the quintessential American author, whose insights into American Culture and character are still valid today.

The Nicaraguan Association of Professors of English (ANPI) and the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) have been outstanding partners and advocates in our efforts to improve English language teaching and learning in Nicaragua. 

I am pleased to announce that the administration of President Obama is placing a new emphasis on English for both students and teachers.  In keeping with that interest, the Embassy in conjunction with ANPI, UCA and other institutions will be offering several opportunities for students and teachers to improve their English and understanding of the United States.

Foremost among these partner institutions will be the newly revamped binational center, the Centro Cultural Nicaragüense Norteamericano (CCNN) which as most of you know has moved, is under new management and is changing materials and methods. I’m excited about these changes and look forward to seeing the CCNN emerge as the premiere English language institution and cultural center once again.

Among the new initiatives to “teach teachers” of English are Pathways to Prosperity programs to send teachers to Costa Rica for one-month-long intensive TESOL workshops and certification programs. We will also be offering several E-Teacher scholarships, new online courses to teach the latest methods and curriculum ideas in TESOL. Here in Nicaragua in conjunction with UCA and the CCNN, we will be offering special afternoon and weekend classes for English teachers to improve their language level and intensive English camps.

Of course, we will also be recruiting for our flagship Fulbright programs, the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) and the Study of the United States for Scholars Program (SUSI) all of which offer the opportunity to study in the USA.

On the student level, we will continue our successful collaboration on the "College Horizons" program with UCA and BICU Through this program for high school students from ethnic minorities, we offer a two-year English language learning and mentorship program for fourth and fifth year high school students.  Many of the graduates of this program have received scholarships for university studies. All of them are the first person in their family to have this opportunity.

I am also pleased to announce that my government will be offering new intensive English language study programs for 2010 in connection with the Merida initiative.  This two-year, $450,000 English language, micro-scholarship program will pay for 200-300 poor high school students who demonstrate strong leadership potential to  study English after school.  In addition to English language instruction, the students will also gain insight into American institutions, society and culture. 

As we work together to ensure quality English language teaching and learning in Nicaragua, our hope is that more Nicaraguans will be able to benefit from the U.S. government's various educational scholarships and exchange programs, such as the prestigious Fulbright Scholarships for advanced studies and various undergraduate and community college programs.  These “study in the USA” opportunities allow Nicaraguans from all walks of life the chance to study any field at a U.S. college or university.

But all of these programs would remain pipedreams if it weren’t for you and your abilities to open the world of English to your students.

You, as teachers of English, and the institutions you represent are essential players in these programs and opportunities. You not only make it possible for your students to apply for these programs, but more importantly you provide them a window to a new world.

Through learning another language whether it be English, Spanish, Miskito, Creole or any other we open our minds to new ideas, values and cultures. We enrich our own lives and the lives of those we teach—and ultimately, we learn that our people and societies are more alike than they are different. 

Y yo, por lo menos, considero que me falta bastante estudio todavía para perfeccionar mi español.  Así que, yo sé lo difícil que es aprender otro idioma.  Pero quiero dejarles este mensaje final:  Al comprometerse en la promoción del estudio del inglés, ustedes están contribuyendo para una Nicaragua mejor, y un futuro más promisorio para las generaciones venideras.  Los felicito por su compromiso hacia la enseñanza y el aprendizaje del inglés.
Estoy seguro que seguiremos colaborando para llevar más y mejores oportunidades educativas al pueblo de Nicaragua.

Gracias.

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