ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) embassy gathered 500 English language professionals from across the country in a conference held under the theme ‘Fostering Intercultural Competence (ICC) in the EFL Classroom’.
Acting Country Public Affairs Officer at the embassy in Islamabad Aaron Tarver concluded the three-day conference. It was offered in a hybrid mode with 60 alumni participating in person in Islamabad while others joined virtually.
The conference offered 25 interactive sessions, led by English language specialist from the United States Dr Lynn Zimmerman and Pakistani English language teaching experts, enabling participants to learn different tools and techniques required to acquire intercultural knowledge, attitudes, skills and awareness in the English language.
Addressing conference attendees, Mr Tarver recognised the work of the Pakistani English teaching community and acknowledged their enthusiasm, motivation and perseverance towards their own professional growth, which has motivated the US to provide $24 million to fund English language programmes in the country.
“This event is another opportunity for the United States and Pakistan to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, but more importantly to celebrate 75 years of friendship,” he said, adding that, “we are collaborating closely on many valuable projects across the spectrum – supporting Pakistan’s goals to be a more prosperous and healthier nation though trade and investment, entrepreneurship support, and long-standing support in public health, including providing over 60 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, and of course, education. You and your students are the exciting next chapter of that relationship”.
Meanwhile, the War on Welfare (WoW) Health, with the power of over 350,000 US specialist doctors, has brought Second Opinion Service in Pakistan. Specialists that cater to over 70 specialties will provide expert opinion on complex health conditions like spinal deformities, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cancers.
Patients have to submit their medical reports to the WoW Health, and their team takes care of the rest. Second opinion can generate a whole new treatment plan, or just peace of mind.
According to a statement, dealing with health issues can be one of the most difficult and challenging situations to face. As soon as a patient is diagnosed with a medical condition and they have received treatment recommendations, important decisions have to be made.
“Second Opinion service through website will provide access to top-notch specialist doctors in the US for rare and complex diseases,” said founder and managing director of WoW Health Pakistan Sikandar Zaman.
Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2022
