US Offers Scholarships to 30,000 Pakistani Students
The United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Andrew Schofer, announced on Wednesday that the US government has provided scholarships to 30,000 Pakistani students to enhance their English language skills. This announcement was made during a ceremony for the “Access” Scholarship Programme, which is specifically designed for English language learning.
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20 Years of Support
Andrew Schofer highlighted that the US government has been offering scholarships to Pakistani students for the past 20 years. These scholarships are part of a broader initiative to support various programs aimed at developing leadership qualities and improving professional skills among Pakistani youth. During his visit to Multan, Schofer expressed his pleasure in witnessing the local cultural performances by students, stating that he was impressed by their talent.
English Access Scholarship Programme
The English Access Scholarship Programme, initiated in 2004, has so far benefitted 30,000 students. This program aims to upgrade the English linguistic skills of students, helping them succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. The latest batch of 300 students has been selected, and Schofer expressed high hopes for their ability to speak English fluently in the near future.
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Longstanding US-Pakistan Cooperation
The English Access Scholarship Programme is a testament to the longstanding cooperation between the United States and Pakistan. Vice Chancellor of Education University, Asim Saeed, also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the program’s benefits not only for the students but also for their families. He assured full cooperation for the program’s success.
Program Highlights
Coordinator Ms. Rahat and other officials provided details about the program’s structure. They mentioned that 40 teachers were selected from over 100 applicants based on a rigorous selection process. These teachers are tasked with imparting language skills to the students. Nearly 1,000 students applied for the scholarships, and 300 were selected.
US Offers Scholarships to 30,000 Pakistani Students
Cultural Performances
The ceremony featured cultural performances by students, including tableaus and other presentations showcasing the rich culture of South Punjab. These performances were well-received by the audience, including US Consul General Ms. Kristin K Hawkins and other guests.
Visit to Lutfabad Mango Farm
Following the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer visited the Lutfabad Mango Farm (LMFPU). The farm has previously benefitted from the USAID-funded FIRMS project (2009-2014) and the Agricultural Market Development (AMD) Project (2015-2019). These projects helped the farm gain GlobalGAP certification and establish essential infrastructure, such as a mango packing house and cold storage facilities. The AMD project also provided state-of-the-art graders to 13 mango processing facilities in Punjab and Sindh, enabling mango growers to expand their exports to international high-end markets by meeting grading and packaging requirements.
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Quick Details
Detail | Information |
Scholarship Program | English Access Scholarship Programme |
Total Scholarships | 30,000 |
Current Batch | 300 Students |
Teacher Selection | 40 Teachers |
Program Start Year | 2004 |
Supporting Organizations | USAID, US Consulate |
Summary
The US government continues to strengthen its ties with Pakistan through educational initiatives like the English Access Scholarship Programme, which has provided scholarships to 30,000 students over 20 years. The program aims to enhance English language skills and foster leadership and professional development. Cultural exchange and support for local agricultural projects further underscore the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.