English Access Micro Scholarship Program
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that borders Afghanistan bore the brunt of the “jihadization” with severe socio-economic consequences. These consequences also fed into the pan-Islamist agenda of religio-political parties, most of whom not only run madrasas all over Pakistan but also use them for projecting their socio-political strength. Poor infrastructure, syllabi with extremely conservative outlook, insufficiently educated and trained teachers and corporal punishments are factors that stunt intellectual growth. Although a subject such as English is being taught in some madaris, yet it is accorded extremely low priority.
This dismal state of English language skills laid the foundation for our project English Access Micro Scholarship Program. PEAD Foundation in collaboration with the US State Department has launched an English Access Micro Scholarship Program in Peshawar, KPK. The project is specifically designed for the madrasa students from age 14-18, who either have no access or very limited access to read/speak English and learn about various cultures of the world. The projects aim is to provide the students with opportunities to learn the English language and increase their knowledge about diverse cultures across the world and the US culture in particular. The project will also help madrasa students towards a balanced intellectual and emotional development so that they are better prepared to assume an active role in their communities.
The project is being implemented in 4 madaris and would benefit 100 students including 25 from each madrassa by developing their communicative competencies. The language and communication skills will therefore become a tool for them to connect with the outside world via study materials and computer aided language learning and will open up various avenues for them.
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