United States Public Affairs Officer Kenneth Wetzel inducted the new cohort for 40 English Micro Scholarship Program (Access) students at Chiedza Child Care Center in Mbare, Harare.

The two year course includes after-school classes, intensive English language learning activities, field trips, and soft skills training to prepare them to be dynamic, conscious and assertive global citizens.

Wetzel presented the 40 students at Chiedza Care Center with certificates of enrollment. He encouraged them to work hard and never give up on pursuing their academic and personal goals. Over 120 students have graduated from the program in Zimbabwe since 2012 in Harare and Bulawayo.

Confidence building is a key component of the program, to enhance participant’s academic performance and future career prospects. Participants are also eligible to compete for and participate in future academic exchanges in the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

Access is an initiative of the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is implemented in over 85 countries including Zimbabwe. It targets bright, economically disadvantaged students, between the ages of 13 and 20.