AKIPRESS.COM - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited on March 1 a group of secondary school students learning English in U.S. Embassy Tashkent's newest English Access Microscholarship Program (Access), the Embassy reported.

Launched at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UWL) in November 2022, the two-year Access program gives bright students from economically-disadvantaged families a foundation in English through after-school lessons and summer intensive sessions that boost their English and knowledge of the United States.

Secretary Blinken met 12 students, aged 14-16, who demonstrated what they have learned about the U.S. holiday, President's Day, and their ability to answer questions about their favorite movies, foods, and hobbies, the Embassy noted.

The Embassy supports 17 other Access programs across Uzbekistan reaching more than 700 students.

The Secretary was met by Acting Rector Bakhrom Kulmatov, Vice Rector for International Cooperation Alisher Abidjanov, and Access Coordinator Gulnoza Radjabova.

Secretary Blinken's visit to UWL "illustrated one part of the U.S. Government's vast commitment to improving English teaching and learning in Uzbekistan", the Embassy stated. The U.S. government has invested more than $25 million in English language teaching and learning in Uzbekistan since 2018 in line with President Mirziyoyev's reform efforts to promote English learning and long-term economic growth.