Speech delivered on March 2, 2011 - CeliOnline.com

1 Speech delivered on March 2, 2011 IntroductionHello my name is Christine Palumbo; I am the Project Manager for CELI, the Center for English Language want to thank: Ambassador Powers; Lucy Molinar; PAS, Anne Coleman, Allison, Shaleen, all Embassy personnel; Key players at Latina, Dr. Lopez, Octavio Del Moral; Panama TESOL President, Ana Palencia; Members of the CELI board, the Latina Board; teachers and friends. I m honored that you have taken the time out of your very busy schedule to come here today, in support of this project that many of us here have worked long hours, to share the excitement of this ribbon cutting ceremony.

2 Your presence is humbling, as is this special day!Martin Luther King Jr. said, Faith is taking the first step even when you don t see the whole staircase 400 plus days ago, I vividly remember the meeting with our previous Ambassador when the idea of Panama having another Binational Center began, and now, today with the financial support of the United States Government and the infrastructure of the Universidad Latina de Panama, we stand today not in front of, but next to, many people who joined together and traveled the journey together committed to be our partners and to open Panama s first English Learning Partnership in this decade.

3 From the bottom of my heart, today is one of the happiest days in my professional career, AND it s a benchmark in my ability to have FAITH. So what is CELI, what are our goals, and what does tomorrow bring? CELI, as we named it:The Center for English Language immersion is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality English language instruction at reasonable Vision Is that CELI provide an innovative approach to English learning ensuring that students are able to rapidly and consistently improve their skills. Our MissionIs to be a non-profit learning community that aims to be a leader in providing exceptional and proven English language instruction, while at the same time fostering people to people ties and knowledge exchange between the and Panama.

4 What Sets Us Apart? Unique Embassy-University partnership High-quality, low cost English Instruction cultural componentCELI Ribbon Cutting SpeechMarch 2, 2011 Page 1 Native Speakers Internships and Partnerships with and US led OrganizationsAnd always intertwined throughout its the importance of will we do? Teach a variety of English language courses, based on individual and/or organizational needs. Provide opportunities for students to speak with native speakers and learn about culture. Teach the culture attached to the English language. Use great textbooks from book companies. Teach preparatory courses to enter universities and abroad.

5 Teach all relevant preparatory courses for entrance into universities. Provide information on applying to universities through the Embassy s Education USA will do all of that via the venue of ..Course Offerings such as: General English courses from Beginning to Advanced Levels TOEFL and IELTS (Test of English Language as a Foreign Language) Preparatory Classes. Conversation Courses and Clubs with Native Speakers and Panamanians. Presentations about culture and history. ESP (English for Specific Purposes) courses in Law, Tourism, Medicine, and we are even planning a Toastmaster s Speaking Course for Intermediate to Advanced English will also partner with MEDUCA and work closely with Panama TESOL to support narrowing the gap in Panama in becoming a bilingual like many of the best Bi-national Centers in Latin America, CELI will create dynamic partnerships within the framework of continuing education training for English teachers.

6 We will model our programs to fit and someday exceed the wonderful programming from the BEST of the best, such as: Centro Costa Rica, IGA in Guatemala, and Centro Colombo in Medellin. WE have faith that as we open these doors today our dynamic partnerships between Meduca, the United States Embassy, Universidad Latina and other universities, Foundations, NGO s, TESOL and the English teachers of Panama will result in excellent English language resources for the country.. CELI Ribbon Cutting SpeechMarch 2, 2011 Page 2 And of course, this is only a preliminary !IT is in FAITH today that CELI ..will support the positive legacy of cultural and educational exchange between the and Panama and it good FAITH and a positive vision that we will succeed in creating a benchmark through public and private partnerships throughout Panama to complement and support the needs of you, our partner and long time friends here in Panama.

7 God bless the United States of America and God bless Panama!!!CELI Ribbon Cutting SpeechMarch 2, 2011 Page 3