On March 16, Adnan Siddiqi, the Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, visited Aswan to welcome many of the 640 public high school students joining the Access Program. This program is a key English-language teaching initiative by the U.S. Embassy for young Egyptians. It provides students from Upper Egypt with opportunities to learn English and develop communication, leadership, and job skills.
In his address to the students, Mr. Siddiqi stated, “Former Access participants throughout Egypt tell us repeatedly that their experience was a life-changing opportunity.” He congratulated the new participants on their acceptance into the program and encouraged them to fully utilize the training and opportunities it offers. Each student received an Access Scholarship award certificate signed by U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft.
The Access scholarships are offered annually through the Embassy’s Regional English Language Office (RELO). They provide two years of in-country English classes to deserving Egyptian high school students who might not otherwise have this opportunity. A former participant shared their positive experience: “The experience and English fluency I gained through the program helped me participate in student exchange programs and successfully apply to medical school. Access is great!”
Since its inception in 2006, over 3,700 Egyptians have benefited from the Access Program.