The Consulate General of the United States has recently launched a two-year free English course for disadvantaged students in the southern region of Viet Nam.

On March 22, the Consulate General in collaboration with Can Tho University held a ceremony to kick off the English Access Microscholarship Programme, comprehensively sponsored by the diplomatic agency, in the southern city of Can Tho.

The programme is offered for 52 students in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade with difficult circumstances in the locality.

These students will be provided with all school fees and textbooks, will have chances to join in outdoor activities and music performances, as well as career orientation and computer accessing.

An English class at Truong Quyen Elementary School in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City ( Photo: Tuoi Tre)

According to the organisers, the English Access Microscholarship Programme gives participants the opportunity to gain an appreciation for U.S. culture and values, and is intended to increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and improve their chances of participating in U.S.-based educational and exchange programmes.

Participants will be divided into two classes and have two days of studying, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

The English Access Microscholarship Programme is scheduled to run from this March to December next year.