The American Embassy in Kigali, on Saturday, awarded certificates to twenty students after they successfully completed a two-year training in the English language.

Dubbed English Access Programme, it benefited students from three schools in Kigali; Lycée de Kigali, APAPER Secondary and Lycée Notre Dame de Cîteaux.

In an interview, the students said the programme helped them improve both spoken and written English language skills.

"In these two years, we learnt more than English alone, we learnt how we can become innovative and also express ourselves, for example during public debates or in other related activities,” said Raissa Gashayija, one of the trainees.

Some of the interviewed students said that although they had some basic knowledge of the language, the training brought about a significant change in their vocabulary.

Speaking on behalf of the American Embassy, the Public Affairs Officer, Susan Falatko, said that the programme will not only benefit students within Kigali.

"We shall continue with the programme. Currently, there are 40 other students in Kabgayi (Southern Province) undergoing the same training who will finish (the course) next year,” Falatko said.

The headmaster of Lycée de Kigali, Martin Masabo, appreciated the embassy`s continued support and contribution towards the success of national programmes.

"We are now in a transition from French to English; therefore this programme is very critical in putting our students on the right track,” Masabo said.

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