KATHMANDU: The US Embassy in Kathmandu said it recently launched its English Access Microscholarship Programme in six new places across Nepal.

They are Dang, Janakpur, Gulmi, Dhading, Banke and Kathmandu, the Embassy informed in a statement today.

US Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina B Teplitz, opened the programme at local Namgyal Middle Boarding School in Swayambhu in the Capital today.

“While the Access Programme focuses on English language skills and American and Nepali cultures, it also educates students in career development, community service, computer skills, critical thinking and leadership skills, including raising students’ awareness of human rights and gender equality," Teplitz said, speaking at the function.

"The Access Programme provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-16 year-olds from economically disadvantaged sectors," the statement informed, "Through two years of after-school classes and intensive sessions, the Access Programme gives participants English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects."

"Participants also gain the ability to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States," it added.

The Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA) is the primary implementer of the programme in Nepal.

Currently, the programme is in operation in nine locations across the country.