“Thursday Talks” – a cycle of online classes with interesting guests as a part of the Access program

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The cycle of online joint classes with guests from the USA and other interesting guests with exciting and fun professions started as a part of the Access program – Microscholarship for better access to the English language, supported by the US Embassy in Skopje. During these classes, students from the locations SS “Mihajlo Pupin” – Skopje, SS “Sami Frasheri” and “Pero Nakov” – Kumanovo, SS “Gostivar” – Gostivar, SS “8 September” – Tetovo, SS “Mirko Mileski and “Drita” – Kicevo, SS “Gimnazija Koco Racin” – Veles, SS “Goso Vikentiev” – Kocani, SS “Naum Naumovski Borce” – Probistip, SS “Kosta Susinov” – Radovis, SS “Koco Racin” – Sveti Nikole, where the program is implemented, will have an opportunity to get to know the US culture and life even more and to advance their knowledge of the English language on different topics.

On the first encounter, around 100 students gathered together online to get informed and discuss the US elections with Luke Zahner, a public affairs representative from the US Embassy. He spoke about his life and his work and explained the process of electing the president of the United States of America.

The attendees learned more about what the electoral votes are and what their role is in deciding who of the candidates becomes president. Also, Luke explained about the meaning of the mail-in ballots, which were in a higher number this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The students asked questions related to the elections and the guest answered them in detail. Among the discussed topics were media’s role in the elections, the security of voting by mail, what happens if the result is a tie as well as the impact the US elections have on our country. At the end, the participants shared their opinions regarding the election system in the USA.

“I am happy to be here. I truly admire your will to invest in yourself and your knowledge. The Access program gives you a big advantage in terms of learning, especially the English language, which will continue to be very important in the future, as well. You are the future and hope of this country. There are many things that should be done and I hope that you’ll use your talents here”, Luke concluded.

In the next weeks, too, the students will actively participate in these conversations on Thursday with new guests with who they will discuss different informative and educational topics.

This activity is part of the English Access Microscholarship Program, supported by the United States Embassy in North Macedonia.