Diplomats from the Political-Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Prague helped students studying English at the High School for Students with Visual Impairments in Prague 5. Three officers, a Czech-American assistant and the Section’s Political Counselor voluntarily prepared five non-traditional English conversation classes for the summer term.
Political Officer Alexander Barrasso started the project with a presentation about what it is like to be a diplomat. He also discussed his own personal experience with overcoming visual impairment in the workplace as well as in everyday life. In the following class, Political Officer Pepijn Helgers introduced the students to some lesser-known geographical and historical facts about U.S. states. Economic Officer Marko Velikonja talked to the students about sport, culture and politics. Assistant Skyland Kobylak explained to the seniors and juniors the complex U.S. presidential election system. In the final class, Political Counselor James Merz talked to the students about U.S. history and the differences between the U.S. Democrats and Republicans.
Ivan Antov, Director of the high school, praised the project: “I would like to thank all the lecturers for their wonderful performances and for sharing knowledge that is interesting as well as useful for our students. The students welcomed the opportunity to test their English comprehension skills with native speakers. This project has definitely fulfilled its expectations and it was beneficial for students as well as for teachers.”
