Peshawar (Khyber Mail): U.S. Consulate General Peshawar held an opening ceremony for the University of Malakand’s English Access Scholarship Program at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Islamabad. Consul General Shante Moore and Public Affairs Officer Greg McElwain interacted with the 165 students, teachers, and administrators who traveled from Malakand for the event.
The U.S. Embassy-funded initiative provides English-language and leadership skills training to 13- to 20-year-old students from disadvantaged communities. Since the program’s inception in Pakistan, 27,000 Pakistani students have completed the two-year course. In KP, where Access began in 2008, there are nearly 3,000 graduates.
“The Access program is a key feature of the enduring collaboration between United States and Pakistan,” said Consul General Moore. “Access programs give young people the necessary tools to pursue a path to success.”
Access programs are underway in 24 Pakistani cities, including Swabi, Charsadda, Malakand, and Mansehra. New Access programs will begin in Nowshera this week and in Peshawar later this summer.