Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, December 24, 2016: The English Access Microscholarship Program in Hawassa was launched at Hawaasa University today. “Education is the key to success, and through the Access program we are supporting Ethiopian youths to reach their full potential as citizens and future leaders,” said Cultural Attache Li Ping Lo. She added, “With the launch of the Access program in Hawassa, more than 225 youths in Ethiopia are actively learning English through enhancement activities, community service, and student-centered classes. These students are part of the Access programs already underway in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.”
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, the two-year English Access Microscholarship Program is an after-school English language proficiency program for talented 13-to-20 year-olds from disadvantaged communities. The program helps students develop proficiency in the English language from beginners to intermediate level, and provides them with a variety of experiences to enhance their confidence, learn about the United States, and instill volunteerism, positive civic values and attitudes. Access seeks to equip selected students with strong English language skills that can lead to better jobs, educational opportunities, and gain ability to participate in and compete for exchange and study programs in the United States.
Since its inception in 2004, over 110,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated in the English Access Microscholarship Program. In Ethiopia, Access was started in 2008 and since then, 825 students have benefited from the program.
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