150 brilliant and economically disadvantaged students will be taught English language under the US-funded English Access Scholarship Program
Karachi, Sindh
Some 150 brilliant and economically disadvantaged students of SMIU Model School (75 boys and 75 girls, aged 13-16- enrolled in grade 7, 8 or 9) will be taught English language under the English Access Scholarship Program funded by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) through the U.S. Mission in Pakistan.
Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) and Ms. Sidrah Niaz, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the University Campus in Karachi.
Ms. Anastasia Kolivas, Public Diplomacy Officer, Public Diplomacy Section and Ms. Aisha Zeeshan, English Programs Manager from the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, Prof. Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman, Sindh Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Dean, SMIU, Prof. Dr. Fateh Marri, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Dr. Arabella Bhutto, Vice Chancellor, University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah and Momal Raza, Lecturer at University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah were also present.
The MoU will come into force on May 5, 2024 and continue till February 28, 2026. Access classes are expected to begin from June 2024. The classes will be conducted thrice a week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) at SMIU Model School.
Besides learning the English language, the program also develops the student’s digital literacy skills. The Access Program will also focus on students’ personal development by building balanced intellectual and emotional capabilities to better prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors.
According to the MoU, the program will hire four qualified teachers, each responsible for a class of 25 students and one academic coordinator. The program will provide periodic training on the Access curriculum to ensure effective teaching methods. Moreover, it will supply course materials and additional resources to support the students and teachers.
The students will receive a daily transport allowance of Rs.135 (may vary due to dollar rate fluctuation) to facilitate their attendance.
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The agreement further says that the program will organize outdoor events including field trips, service-learning projects, UN/U.S. celebrations and professional development sessions to enhance the student experience.
Vice Chancellor of SMIU Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon welcomed the guests and appreciated the efforts of the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi for the uplift of education in Pakistan.
Ms. Anastasia Kolivas appreciated the efforts of Sindh HEC for their openness and commitment towards implementing the Access program at three universities in Karachi, Umerkot, and Bhitshah. She also discussed various U.S. government-funded opportunities for potential future collaborations aimed at enhancing the higher education sector in Sindh.
Prof. Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman Sindh HEC, appreciated the linkages between the U.S. Consulate General and the higher education institutes (HEIs) in Sindh. He said that ventures like the Access Program are necessary for capacity building of students. He stressed the need for more in-depth and extended linkages between the U.S. Embassy/Consulate and HEIs of Sindh.
Ms. Aisha Zeeshan briefed the dignitaries about the U.S. government-funded English Programs and how these have impacted the lives of many underprivileged youth by empowering them with English language skills. She said that the teachers have also been trained well throughout the RELO program. She thanked the Sindh HEC chairman, SMIU’s Vice Chancellor and all other vice chancellors present in the ceremony and pledged to continue collaborating with them in the foreseeable future.
Wafa Mansoor Buriro, Assistant Professor at English Department of SMIU shed light upon the partnership between the English Department of SMIU and RELO Pakistan developed in the past few years. The ceremony ended with the presentation of shields to the guests by Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon. (PR)
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