Government Model Sr. Sec. School,(TM),�Sector 26, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, kulbir kalsi Nine months ago Mamta, Charu, Sandeep, Meenakshi & Saruabh could barely speak English. Now, they�re not just fluent in the language but can even address a gathering of over a hundred people. They are from the first batch of students who are benefitting from the two year long English Access Microscholarship Program that began at the Government Model Sr. Sec. School, (Timber Market), Sector 26, Chandigarh in February, 2011.

Today a high level American delegation led by�Ann Stock,�Acting Under Secretary of US Government, accompanied by the US Ambassador to�India�Peter Burleigh & Milchael Pelletier,�Minister Counselor�of Public Affairs,�US Embassy,�New Delhi�visited these students. They were received by�Sandeep Hans, DPI (Schools), Education Department, Chandigarh Administration, Alka Mehta, Principal �& Pramod Sharma, Coordinator of Yuvsatta.

Giving information about the initiative�Ambassador Burleigh�shared that this Project is toenhance the language skills of marginalized students so that they have a competitive edge in their academic and professional lives.

�I was very impressed to hear the first batch converse in English,��said Ann Stock. She further added that �I am sure with time they�ll speak more fluently. This course will enable underprivileged kids to get better jobs. It�s about how well you can make use of the opportunities.�

In his address Sandeep Hans said��It is important to learn spoken English, as it will help you all over the world.�Think big. People fail because of the lack of desire. You have to fight your way to rise in life,�

The Access students interacted confidently in English with all the members of the delegation. In the end Pramod Sharma, Coordinator, Yuvsatta presented a vote of thanks and students from Chandigarh presented guests with hand made thank you cards & personalized souvenirs