According to a press statement issued by US Embassy in Kathmandu, the responsibility to implement the micro-scholarship program, popularly known as Access Program, has been entrusted to Nepal English Language Teachers´ Association (NELTA).[break]
The Access program will initially take in 120 students aged between 14 to 16 in four locations -- two in Kathmandu and one each in Bhairahawa and Gorkha.
The program provides a foundation of English language skills to talented but economically or socially under privileged children through after school classes and intensive summer learning activities over a period of two years.
It aims to make the study of English more accessible to adolescents from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, help children learn American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain ability to compete for and participate in future US exchange and study program.
(Photo: Bijay Rai)
Fife MacDuff, Regional English Language Officer of US government for Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Amanda Jacobson, Cultural Officer at US Embassy in Kathmandu, students enrolled for the program and NELTA office bearers´, among others, were present in the function held in the capital.
Approximately, 55,000 students in more than 70 countries have participated in the program since its inception in 2004.
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