MARDAN: Ambassador of the United States to Pakistan Donald Blome has said that 3,500 students have benefitted from the English language programmes funded by his country since 2019.

He said that since 2019, US had spent $3 million on English language programmes. “We have a long history of working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on programmes related to education, health, infrastructure, water and roads,” he added.

He inaugurated six-month ‘English Works’ programme, funded by the US government, at Abdul Wali Khan University here on Tuesday. He said that the US had executed projects worth $1.5 billion in the province during the last 10 years.

The ambassador was accompanied by US Consul General in Peshawar Panfilo Marquez, Monica Davis, public affairs officer, and other relevant officials.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mr Blome said that the six-month English language programme would provide English and employment skills to 215 students in Mardan and Charsadda districts.

“This programme boosts English proficiency skills, develops computer literacy skills and builds confidence for the job market. Overall, more than 28,000 Pakistani students have participated in the US government sponsored-English language programmes since 2005, equipping them to be more successful in the modern-day workplace. Learning English opens doors to higher education and career opportunities,” he said.

Donald Blome inaugurates English language course and plantation drive at Mardan varsity

The US ambassador said that the programme was part of their long association with education in KP. He said that since 2019, the US had spent $3 million on English language programmes, benefiting 3,500 students.

He said that it was his first visit to Abdul Wali Khan University. He said that he liked the university. “It is a very beautiful campus. I pay tribute to the faculty and students here. They deserve congratulations on the basis of their outstanding performance,” he added.

Earlier, Vice-chancellor Prof Zahoorul Haq welcomed him. He said that it was a record in Pakistan that six campuses of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan got the status of full-fledged varsity. He said 18,000 applications were received for the BS programme in the fall semester of the ongoing year.

The US ambassador also kicked off spring plantation drive by planting sapling in front of the administration block of the university. He visited various departments and institutes of the university. He also visited the kitchen set up for the training of street children in the tourism department and showed great interest in it.

The US ambassador also inaugurated a painting exhibition at Pakhtunkhwa College of Arts.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2023