More than seventy Turkish Cypriot public sector employees, teachers, lawyers and journalists who participated in the Bicommunal Support Program's English for Specific Purposes program were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the J.W. Fulbright Center in the UN-patrolled buffer zone on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. The program is implemented by Spring International Language Center and focuses on the enhancement of English language and communication skills of Turkish Cypriot professionals with a view to strengthening bicommunal linkages, facilitating professional development, and honinng the communication skills of those involved in settlement negotiations and EU harmonization activities.

Since its inception in 2005, the program has graduated seven classes and made a huge impact on the Turkish Cypriot community. Participants have demonstrated marked improvements in oral, aural and written English language skills. Moreover, they are better able to engage in island-wide activities, to contribute and interact at international conferences, to undertake doctoral work in English, to implement state-of-the-art software packages in English, and to collaborate over extended periods of time with colleagues from the European Commission, World Bank and other international and private organizations.