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Oasis Foundation Donates to Chicago Public Schools in Support of Arabic Language Program |
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – On Monday, April 27, 2009, the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC made a $5,000 contribution to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office of Language and Cultural Education (OLCE). The donation will be used by OLCE to support the development of the Office’s Arabic Language Program. After visiting Chicago’s Hiram H. Belding Elementary School yesterday, Oasis Foundation Executive Director Byron Fogan said, “We are pleased to partner with the Chicago Public Schools and to be in a position to support this first-class Arabic Language Program. Providing students in the Chicago Public Schools with access to languages such as Arabic not only gives them practical skills, but also an opportunity to learn about other cultures and customs.” CPS offers World Language Programs in 12 languages, with over 101,000 students participating at 255 schools citywide. The unit oversees K-12 instruction of these world languages, and implements year-round professional development to support the teaching of languages and the fostering of increased international content in all curriculum areas. The mission of OLCE is to provide students from every ethnic and economic background with the tools to be active players in the global marketplace. Through unique programs and collaborations with external partners, OLCE works with students and families which have recently arrived in the United States as well as those which have been here for many generations. OLCE believes that every student in CPS has the ability and responsibility to be a global citizen. Education is one of the main focus areas of the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC. The Foundation seeks to fund innovative ideas in education, to promote cross-cultural ties that support the strong friendship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
About the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC The Oasis Foundation of Washington DC is a charitable organization based in the United States. Established in 2008 by Yousef Al Otaiba, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, the Oasis Foundation of Washington DC invests in charitable initiatives in the United States which promote mutual understanding between the people of the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Assistance is offered in five key areas: educational development; innovation in science and technology; promotion of the arts and culture; development of youth, family, and strong communities; and promotion of environmental awareness and protection. More information is available at www.oasisfoundationdc.org. CONTACT: Byron Fogan May 1, 2009
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