US Consul General Lahore Yuriy Fedkiw has inaugurated US State-Department funded English Access Micro-scholarship Program, Faisalabad Chapter meant for polishing English skills that will help flourish in their respective field. This program is launched in partnership with University of Agriculture Faisalabad Community College, in which the students of UAF Community College and rural areas aged between 13 to 20 across the city, are enrolled to learn English free of cost.
UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Commissioner Faisalabad Momin Agha, Principal Community College Ijhaz Bhatti, Consulate Public Affair Officer Farah Khan and other notables also spoke on the occasion. Welcoming 100 new students to Micro-scholarship Program in Faisalabad, Consul General Yuriy Fedkiw said that over 13,000 students have graduated from Access Programs across Pakistan since 2004.
He said, "The access program will make you better students by helping you develop your English, leadership, and critical-thinking skills. In two years program, you will have the opportunity to participate in many language enhancing activities ranging from project to public speaking workshops". He challenges the students to dream big and think about how they would use their skills to make Pakistan and their communities more prosperous. Access students increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of country and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future US exchange and study programs.
He said that English would open up new opportunities for Pakistani students to study abroad and to play a vital role in society and development of country. He said that the women role was vital in the socio-economic development of the society. He stressed upon the need to provide opportunity for women for higher education and economic activities of the country.
The US Department of State currently funds the Access Programs in 80 countries around the world. The English Access Micro-scholarship Program (Access) provides foundation of English languages skills to students between aged of 13-20 through free after school classes and intensive learning activities. A selected number of Access students have had the opportunity to participate in short exchange program in the United States. The US Embassy currently supports more than 2,500 access students in Pakistan.
University of Agriculture Faisalabad Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that UAF admits students on district quota system by design to provide the quality education to the under privileged segment of society with a special focus on rural population. He said that the program would make students more efficient and confident than ever and help to secure a better future. This program will narrow down gap between students' abilities of rural and urban areas, he said.
Commissioner Momin Ali Agha said that good English speaking listening and speaking skills would open new doors of opportunities, minds and hearts of students. Facing rising challenges and to interconnecting with other communities, English has become a necessary part of life. He said the government was making all out efforts to promote the education that will herald new era of prosperity.
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