On Wednesday, US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer announced that the US government has provided support to 30,000 Pakistani students to improve their English language skills. This announcement was made during the “Access” Scholarship Programme ceremony, held specifically to enhance English language learning among Pakistani students. The ceremony, attended by various dignitaries, including US Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins and Vice Chancellor of Education University Asim Saeed, showcased the significant impact of the program.
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Schofer, while speaking to journalists after the ceremony, expressed his pleasure at visiting Multan. He praised the cultural performances by the students and emphasized the importance of the English Access Scholarship Programme in upgrading students’ English skills. “We want the students to succeed,” he stated, highlighting the program’s goal to ensure students’ proficiency in English for their future endeavors.
20 Years of Scholarships and Educational Support
The US government has been offering scholarships to Pakistani students for the past 20 years. These scholarships are part of a broader initiative that includes various programs aimed at developing leadership qualities and enhancing professional skills. Schofer noted that the English Access Scholarship Programme, which began in 2004, has been a cornerstone of the long-standing cooperation between the United States and Pakistan. So far, the program has benefitted 30,000 students across the country.
Vice Chancellor Asim Saeed echoed these sentiments, praising the program for its dual benefits of educating children and supporting their families. He assured the audience of full cooperation for the program’s success, noting its potential to positively impact not just the students, but their 300 families as well.
Selection Process and Teacher Training
Program Coordinator Ms. Rahat, along with other officials, highlighted the rigorous selection process for both students and teachers. Out of nearly 1,000 student applicants, 300 were awarded scholarships. Similarly, over 100 teachers applied to impart language skills to students, with 40 being selected following a thorough evaluation process.
The selected teachers are tasked with providing high-quality English language education to the scholarship recipients, ensuring that the students can achieve fluency and competence in English. This focus on quality education is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for academic and professional success.
Cultural Performances and Program Impact
The ceremony featured various cultural performances by the students, including tableaus and displays showcasing the rich heritage of South Punjab. These performances captivated the audience and highlighted the holistic development approach of the English Access Scholarship Programme, which goes beyond language learning to include cultural and artistic expression.
Schofer expressed high hopes for the new batch of 300 students, confident that they will soon be able to speak English fluently. He reiterated that the program aims to prepare students for success in an increasingly globalized world, where English proficiency can open doors to numerous opportunities.
Visit to Lutfabad Mango Farm
After the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Schofer visited the Lutfabad Mango Farm (LMFPU). This farm had previously benefited from the USAID-funded FIRMS project (2009-2014) and the Agricultural Market Development (AMD) Project (2015-2019). These projects provided support for gaining GlobalGAP certification and establishing critical infrastructure, such as a mango packing house and cold storage facilities.
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The AMD project also supplied state-of-the-art graders to 13 mango processing facilities in Punjab and Sindh, helping farmers meet international grading and packaging standards. Schofer noted that USAID’s support has enabled mango growers at LMFPU to expand their exports to high-end international markets, demonstrating the broader impact of US assistance beyond educational programs.