The American Embassy launched two new English Access microscholarship programmes on Wednesday, one at Sir Syed Public School in Rawalpindi and another implemented by Vision Building Future at Pakistan Sweet Home. Over 350 students will benefit from this programme. At the opening ceremony, American Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires John Hoover expressed the American government’s ongoing support for educational partnerships in Pakistan. “The American Embassy is proud to partner with local organisations to prepare the next generation of young Pakistani leaders,” he said. John Hoover also congratulated the students. “Take this opportunity to explore new ideas and ask questions of one another,” he said. “You are the young leaders that will create a better Pakistan, a better world and a better future.” The Access microscholarship programme provides a foundation of English language skills to talented youth from economically disadvantaged communities through two-year, after-school classes and intensive sessions. Since the programme’s inception in 2004, 110,000 students in more than 87 countries have participated. In Pakistan, over 14,000 students have participated since 2006. Published in Daily Times, July 12th 2018.