English programme at KISS

Updated on: Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Bhubaneswar: The US government launched the first programme for an Indian tribal institute on December 1.

The US Embassy-sponsored English Access Microscholarship Program was launched in Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).

The programme is an initiative between the United States Embassy in New Delhi and the United States Department of State.

His Excellency Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, Hon’ble Governor of Orissa inaugurated the programme. Prasanna Acharya, hon’ble minister of health and family welfare and public grievance & pension administration, Orissa, Beth A Payne, US Consul General, Kolkata, Dr A Samanta, founder, KIIT Group of Institutions and Saswati Bal, president of KISS, were present.

The English Access Microscholarship Program provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 14 to 18 years olds from disadvantaged sectors with the aim of leading to better job and educational prospects.

Under the programme, the US Ambassador to India will facilitate English language study to 100 tribal students between 14 to 18 years of age at KISS for a period of two years, beginning December 1, 2009.

Bhandare said the programme would hone skills of the tribal students. He also took part in an AIDS awareness programme organised by KISS and KIIT on the occasion of World AIDS Day.

Acharya emphasised the need for effective English communication skills. He said that the programme would improve ability of tribal students in written and spoken English.

Elaborating on the benefits of the programme, Beth A Payne said that a better-educated workforce with international skills could attract increased investment and create new jobs.

Payne distributed certificates to 100 students who have received scholarships to learn English under the programme.

Expressing his gratitude to the dignitaries, Dr Samanta said that the programme will prove to be a major strength for KISS in its mission to bring tribal children and youth at par with mainstream society.

English programme at KISS

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