Luanda, Angola – April 28, 2023. The Embassy of the United States of America in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe announced the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding for English Language Training, on Friday, April 28, at 9:00 am, at the Ministry of Defense, in Luanda, of the English Language Program in the Angolan Armed Forces.
The United States Embassy, through the International Military Education and Training funding (IMET), supports the English Language Program in the Angolan Armed Forces. Since 2004, the IMET program has trained 31 English instructors in the United States. Through approval from the United States Congress, the United States Embassy has received an additional five (5) million dollars to expand and strengthen the English Language Program in the Angolan Armed Forces. This new funding will aim at training more English instructors, strengthen the English Curriculum and aspects of program management as well provision of English materials and English laboratories for identified sites over the next 3-5 years. The Office of Security Cooperation and the National Directorate of Defense Policy will be responsible for its daily implementation and coordination.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe stressed that “The English Language Program is an important bridge that we are building between our Armed Forces. It will allow more students to attend training in the United States, facilitate increased training and exchanges here in Angola, and increase Angola’s ability to represent its accomplishments at international events and conferences. As several nations within SADC use English as an official language, Angola will be better poised to operate alongside the fellow members of SADC as a result of this initiative. At an international level, Angola will also be better equipped to participate in and support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.” The English teachers in the Angolan Armed Forces with support from the Angolan military leadership will play a very important role into turning this vision into reality and by reaching the pre-established goals. Upon signature of the memorandum, the United States and Angolan Armed Forces will be able to implement the program