In partnership with U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, the Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation (YASA), the King and Queen of Malaysia’s foundation and an implementer for the Access Leadership Program (ALP), organized a one-day English camp for eighty underprivileged students from the districts of Pekan and Kuantan on July 4, 2020.
In addition to learning communication skills, the students learned of America’s July 4th holiday and watched a video called the ‘Independence Day of the United States’. Access teachers also taught students the meaning of the U.S. flag and explained activities Americans would typically do to celebrate the 4th of July. In addition, students were tasked to work in small groups to make ‘Uncle Sam Tophats’.
This intensive camp filled with engaging cultural activities concluded with the students singing ‘Fireworks’ and ‘Standing in the Eyes of the World.’ The students commented that they not only had fun doing the activities; they also learned to appreciate other cultures and values.
The Access Leadership Program aims to enhance students’ access to better education and job opportunities by improving their proficiency in the English language and developing their leadership skills. Students participate in a variety of intensive lessons, cultural and service learning activities held on weekends and school holidays for a two-year period. The ALP is the embassy’s inaugural collaboration with the King and Queen’s royal foundation and represents the commitment of both parties to empower youth.