English courses organized by Фzercell and US Embassy are over

Baku, September 10, 2008

Journalists are given certificates

English language courses organized by Azercell and US Embassy in Baku for journalists are over. On September 8, certificates have been presented to those media representatives who have completed successfully these courses.

Guests gathered to the presentation ceremony held in the residence of US Ambassador to Azerbaijan have been greeted personally by Ambassador Ann Derse. Usually delivering her speeches in Azerbaijani, Madam Ambassador has said that she wished good luck to all journalists willing to learn English at the beginning of these courses organized jointly with Azercell. Noting that many of persons invited to this ceremony speak already English, Madam Derse has continued her speech in native language. According to the Ambassador, currently, English language is considered as the global language of business, technologies and international communication all over the world. It is also important that journalists can converse in this language easily: “Due to the period of global communication, today Azerbaijan needs as never before journalists with English language skills because they could play a role of bridge over the gaps existing between various cultures and countries in the world. They can teach international experience to the Azerbaijani society by their articles. At the same time, they can assess international developments at the national level.”

Ambassador Ann Derse has wished success to journalists in this important activity and congratulated all those who completed the courses.

Ali Agan, Vice-CEO of Azercell Telecom LLC has said about the current needs for specialists with English language knowledge in any field: “The century and the country we live are growing very dynamically and developing very fast. In this regard, an important responsibility relies on the shoulders of journalists. Media representatives should not only present information about world, but also form a correct and right opinion about Azerbaijan. They should also bring enough information to country’s citizens about events taking place abroad. For this reason, it is very important to learn a foreign language”.

Mr.Agan went on as saying that in parallel to the social responsibility projects, Azercell has implemented also the projects that enable media development. The Company has organized various exercises and seminars for journalists, ensured the participation of media institutions’ representatives in international conferences and finally, helped to deepen their knowledge of English language.

Mr.Ali Agan has stressed that they will continue these steps in the future. Vice CEO has also noted that his spouse will also join this initiative implemented jointly by Azercell and US Embassy.

Afterwards, journalists who completed the courses have been given the certificates. Apart from diplomas, media representatives have received also presents from Azercell.

It should be noted that English language courses have been started last November by Azercell in association with US Embassy. Spanning seven months, these courses have enable journalists to learn English at three levels. English lessons given to media representatives have been lead by members of the Azerbaijan English Teachers Association. In general, over 30 media representatives have joined these English courses.