US embassy launches English language programme

Islamabad: English skills lead to better jobs and educational prospects, and 100 young people from suburban Islamabad will now have that chance through the US Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship programme at Air University here.

At an inauguration ceremony for the new programme, John Hoover, the American Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, congratulated the students. “Take this opportunity to explore new ideas and ask questions of one another,” he said. “Challenge each other to work harder and think differently. You will be surprised by what you learn and what new possibilities open up.”

Hoover also expressed his appreciation for Air University’s collaboration. “The American Embassy is a proud partner of Air University and supports the work you are doing to prepare the next generation of Pakistani leaders,” he said. “Pakistani-American university partnerships like this have forged a spirit of academic collaboration between our students and teachers, and it is remarkable to see another crop of talented students here today.” Dr. Wasima Shehzad, dean, Faculty of Humanities, Air University; and Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, Director General, Federal Directorate of Education, also attended the ceremony.

The Access Micro-scholarship Programme provides a foundation of English language skills to talented youth from economically disadvantaged communities through two-year, after-school classes and intensive sessions. Students develop not only their English skills, but also leadership and professional skills that they will use throughout their lives. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 110,000 students in more than 87 countries have participated in the English Access Microscholarship Programme. More than 13,000 Pakistani students have participated in English Access Microscholarship Programme in more than 20 locations throughout the country since 2006.