Because English is so widely spoken, it has been referred to as a "global language." While English is not the official language in many countries, it is the language most often taught as a second language around the world. Its widespread acceptance as a first or second language is the main indication of its global status.
There are now about 5.8 billion people who do not speak English as either their first or second language. However, we have entered a period in world history, unprecedented and probably unrepeatable, when children throughout formal education - from early primary school to college and university - are all learning beginner or intermediate level English. Already, there are almost 180 million learners of English in the formal education system in China, and that number continues to rise. In the context of Pakistan, there is increasing pressure to learn and adopt English as a language of communication, at least in the workplace, and fluency in English is fast becoming a hiring requisite in most of the organizations. Yet few opportunities and resources are provided in formal educational settings, especially government and low-cost private schools and colleges, for developing and enhancing English language skills.
The ACCESS Project is an English teaching program that aims to provide opportunities to underprivileged students, primarily girls, to learn the English language. The project is being implemented and managed by SEF under grant from the Government of United States of America. The ACCESS centers are located in 2 low-cost private schools which are also partners to SEF under the Support to Private Education Institutes Program (SPEIP). The program beneficiaries include teenage students aged 13-18 years belonging mainly to government schools lying in the vicinity of selected private schools.
Objectives:
• The ability to use language in a variety of ways (e.g. describe, express ideas and feelings, request and provide information).
• The ability to speak, read, view and write confidently for real purposes in a wide range of situations.
• A sound grasp of standard English (including the use of appropriate vocabulary and forms of communication, punctuation, grammar, and spelling).
• The ability to discuss, critically analyze and appreciate written, spoken and viewed texts in English.
• The ability to access and effectively utilize various sources of learning for self-enhancement and career progression.
