US eager to expand educational initiatives in Pakistan: Blome

ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome on Wednesday said that his country was eager to broaden its educational programmes in Pakistan.

Blome, along with US Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins, welcomed 150 new students in Sialkot to the US-funded English Works! programme that offers youth the opportunity to enhance English language, entrepreneurial and leadership skills. “These skills will help young Pakistanis become community leaders who contribute to a prosperous, proud and peaceful future for Pakistan,” Blome said.

The US English Works! programme provides a foundation of English language and vocational skills to deserving youth, aged 17-25. The six-month, 240-hour programme boosts English proficiency, develops computer literacy skills and builds job market knowledge for motivated students who have limited financial resources. Its graduates become part of the Pakistan-US Alumni Network, the largest alumni network in the world, through which they can network, apply for small grants and cascade their knowledge through community service outreach.

Blome told the function that the English Works! programme symbolised the enduring partnership between the United States and Pakistan. “Since 2015, more than 6,000 Pakistani students have graduated from the programme. The United States looks forward to expanding its educational initiatives across Pakistan.” Ambassador Blome also met with members of the central Punjab chapter of Pakistan-US Alumni Network. “Alumni of US exchanges play vital roles in business, education, government and the non-profit sector, significantly contributing to their communities with the knowledge and connections they gained through their US-funded programmes and strengthening the US-Pakistan relationship,” he said.