LAHORE: US Consul General William K Makaneole welcomed 252 new students to the popular English Access Microscholarship Programme at a ceremony in Lahore.

The two-year af ter-school Access programme works with talented students between the ages of 13 and 20 from less advantaged communities and trains them in English language and leadership skills.

This cohort of 252 students includes 100 madrassa students and 100 students from Workers Welfare High Schools.

CG Makaneole emphasised that the Access Programme will be a life-changing experience for the students.

`The Access Programme can bea pathway to higher education, participation in US exchange programs, and improved work prospects,` the CG highlighted.

`In Punjab, the US Mission to Pakistan has sponsored English Access programmes in Lahore, Gujranwala, DG Khan and Multan.

In these programmes, our partners help young adults like you learn English and develop leadership and critical thinking skills.

Students also get a chance to learn about US culture and values,` CG Makaneole added. So far, 24,000 students from across Pakistan have benefited from this program.

As the US and Pakistan celebrate 75 years of partnership, the Access program is another example of America`s enduring friendship with Pakistan. Staff Reporter