The U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa launches the English Access Microscholarship Program, known as Access, in Jimma, Oromia region of Ethiopia.
The Access program is funded by the U.S. Government to provide a foundation of English language skills to talented youth over two years, through targeted after-school classes, community service, and intensive summer sessions.
The first Access experience in Jimma benefits 100 students selected from different high schools in the Jimma area based on their academic accomplishments and leadership potential.
At the launch of the program in Jimma, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael Raynor stated, “I’m very pleased to bring the English Access Microscholarship program to this great city, and to welcome the first group of 100 students from Jimma into our growing English language community here in Ethiopia.”
“Through this program, the U.S. Embassy is making an investment not only in your own futures, but in your ability to contribute to Ethiopia’s future as well,” the Ambassador added.
A total of 375 Ethiopian students are currently participating in the program nationwide, receiving a minimum of 360 hours of instruction in addition to enhancement activities. Other current Access programs are at Haramaya University, Bahir Dar University, and St. John Baptist De La Salle Catholic School in Addis Ababa.
Over the past 14 years, over 150,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated in the Access program. In Ethiopia, Access started ten years ago; since then, approximately 1000 students have benefited from the program.