Daily Times

KARACHI: US Ambassador David Hale has praised the achievements of 1,000 students graduating from a US State Department funded Access English-language Programme.

US Consul General Brian Heath, iEARN Executive Director Farah Kamal and iEARN General Manager Saleem Ibrahim attended the event.

“The potential of Pakistan’s youth is tremendous,” said Ambassador Hale. “You love learning. You care deeply about your families, your communities, and your country. You are engaged in the world around and beyond Pakistan,” he said.

He said the US State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs funds the English Access Micro-scholarship Programme adding that the access programme in Pakistan is among the world’s largest. More than 95,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated since its inception in 2004.

Access provides a foundation of English-language skills to 13-18 years old talented students from economically disadvantaged areas through after school classes and intensive enrichment activities.

The participants gain skills that lead to better jobs and educational prospects; as they can also compete for future exchanges and study programmes in the United States.

The Access Programme is offered free of charge and help students develop proficiency in the English language from beginner to intermediate level, providing them with a variety of experiences to enhance confidence, instill democratic values, volunteerism, and positive civic values and attitudes.