US Consul General Brian Heath congratulated approximately 200 graduating students at the closing ceremonies of a US Embassy Access English-language training program in Karachi. Evolution CEO and Co-Founder Sidrah Niaz, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Mark Kendrick and US Consulate Cultural Attaché Griffin Rozell attended the celebration at the Royal Rodale Club in Karachi.
Heath also distributed certificates to the students, who began their studies with the English Access program in April 2014. The participants in the two year program are talented 13-17 year-olds from Karachi, Tharushah, and Kandiaro. Three other similar programs have run concurrently in Sindh over the past two years. "You, and young people like you, are the future of Pakistan," said Heath. "From what I have seen over the past two years, the future is in very good hands indeed. This is why we at the Consulate General support Access, and other programs like it."
The Access program taught English communication skills as well as leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. In addition to English language classes, the Access students participated in community service projects and cultural enrichment activities in partnership with the US Consulate General. "Over the past two years you have learned much about the United States and about Americans. We have learned much from you as well. The individual friendships we have made will ensure that the friendship between the United States and Pakistan stays strong for many years to come," said Heath.
The two-year English Access Micro-scholarship Program is an after-school English language proficiency program for talented 13-17 year-olds from disadvantaged communities. Since 2004, more than 100,000 students in 85 countries have participated, and there are more than 10,000 alumni in Pakistan. There are no course fees, and books, learning materials, stationery, and book bags are also provided free to students.-PR