US Consul General Brian Heath attended the closing ceremony of the US government-funded Kerry-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Alumni Tech Innovation Camp. This is the KL-Yes Program's first-ever technology camp in Sindh. The 26 student participants came from all over Pakistan.
The Tech Innovation Camp seeks to promote innovation and technological applications so that KL-YES alumni can develop new, creative solutions to address problems in their communities. The project also taught project management, public speaking and marketing.
"This Tech Innovation Camp has provided you with new skills," said Heath. "I look forward to hearing that we have created the next Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet," he said. Heath also highlighted the importance of exchanges. "Through simple conversations around the dinner table, you have helped Americans understand your country, religious traditions and culture. And that is true diplomacy," said Heath. "You also learned the value of community service and giving back. We believe that service to one's community and country is essential to make societies strong."
KL-YES provides scholarships to 15to17 year old Pakistani students, who spend one year in the United States attending a local high school and living with a host family. Since 2003, more than 700 Pakistani students have participated in the KL-YES program. For more information about the KL-Yes and other related programs, please visit Consulate Karachi's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/karachi.usconsulate.-PR