Hyderabad — Some 200 enthusiastic Access students graduated in Hyderabad, yesterday. They are part of a U.S. Department of State-funded English-language program. Attending the ceremony were U.S. Consulate General Karachi Cultural Attaché AJ Jagelski, Consulate Officer Bria Mathews, Society for International Education Executive Director Farah Kamal and General Manager Saleem Ibrahim.
“The United States,” said Mr. Jagelski, is very proud to enable young people throughout Pakistan to develop English skills. “The effort you put in over the last two years to learn English will help you achieve your academic goals and enhance your career prospects, while enabling you to better understand the world around you,” said Mr. Jagelski.
The best part, in Mr. Jagelski’s view, is that “In achieving these things for yourself, you are also contributing to your country. Your hard work means that Pakistan is strengthened as a nation and so is the friendship between our countries. Your community service activities were powerful experiences and truly make a difference.”
Since its inception, more than 95,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated in Access. In the recent past, U.S. Consulate General Karachi has sponsored Access programs in Karachi, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Tharu Shah, Kandiaro and Hyderabad.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs funds the English Access Microscholarship Program. The Access program provides a foundation of English-language skills to talented 13-18 year-olds from economically disadvantaged areas through after-school classes and intensive enrichment activities. Participants gain skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects; they can also compete for and participate in future exchanges and study programs in the United States.
For more information on how to participate in Access, please go to the following web site: www.iearnpk.org.
