Airmen hold discussion group with Kyrgyz students

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tim Wade
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFNEWS) --  Airmen from the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Embassy staff visited School 13-Lyceum in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, March 7 to conduct the first English Discussion Group with about 30 students.

The purpose of the visit was to establish the program in the school, which focuses on teaching the English language, and expose the students to native English-speaking citizens of America.

The students were encouraged to ask the Airmen any question. 

Questions focused on such topics as the difference in the education systems of the United States and Kyrgyzstan, the American response to the 2005 revolution in Kyrgyzstan, economic values of both countries, the American style of press and the news cycle, and the political make-up of the governments and how they differ.

The EDG is a joint program of Manas Air Base and the U.S. Embassy, under the Public Diplomacy Outreach Program. It promotes the base's interests through understanding and informing Kyrgyz citizens. Future discussion sessions will focus on topics which are currently in the news.

The program is designed to allow students the opportunity to practice their English speaking skills in an environment in which Airmen and Department of Defense civilians can assist in the correct connotation of the words used.

The Airmen will get insight into how their actions and the base's mission are perceived in the local community. 

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