US Consul General Lahore Yuriy Fedkiw on Thursday inaugurated US State-Department funded English Access Microscholarship Program Faisalabad Chapter meant for polishing English skills that will help flourish in their respective field.

US Consul General Lahore Yuriy Fedkiw on Thursday inaugurated US State-Department funded English Access Microscholarship Program Faisalabad Chapter meant for polishing English skills that will help flourish in their respective field. The 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 13-20 around the city are enrolled to learn English free of cost. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Commissioner Faisalabad Momin Agha, Principal Community College Ijhaz Bhatti, Consulate Public Affair Officer Farah Khan and other notables also spoke , Welcoming 100 new students to Microscholarship 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 U.S exchange and study programs. He said 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-ecnomic 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 Microscholarship 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 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. He said that UAF is housing US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in which tangible researches, curriculum reforms, and other initiatives are being taken to make the agriculture a profitable sector. 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 necessary part of life. He said that government was making all out efforts to promote the education that will herald new era of prosperity. Community College Principal Dr Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti said that there was a overwhelming response from the students in the access program. He said that the program will provide the opportunity for the students to excel in their lives. Farah khan, Public Affairs Officer, said that it would create ability in students to brighten their future. The Counsel General also visited UAF Women Hostel and USPCAS newly constructed building