On 25 February 2021, Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, the Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) presided over the opening ceremony of the English Programme for Home-Based Staff 2021. This year, 9 support staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are participating in the training programme. The goal of the programme is to develop the staff’s English communication skills, boost their confidence and enable them to apply their skills effectively to improve their work performance. The training programme spans 120 hours and includes classroom training every Thursday from 25th February - 1st July 2021. It also includes a task-based language learning workshop that simulates using English in real-life situations.

         In the opening remarks, Ms. Wiraka encouraged all the participants to put their best efforts into continuously practicing their English skills; listening, speaking, reading, writing. She also emphasized the importance of active participation in the classroom and on-going self-directed learning. Following the opening ceremony, a number of ice-breaking activities were organised to help the participants and trainers get to know each other. Then, the classes proceeded according to the programme timetable.