31 Underprivileged Students Benefits From US Scholarships

http://www.radiovop.com/

2 July 2011

31 disadvantaged students are set to attend top American Universities following the unveiling of $7 million worth of scholarships by the United States Embassy.

The students, drawn from the country’s 10 provinces, were praised by Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, for earning places at top American universities and colleges.

The US Student Achievers Program (USAP) is run by the Embassy’s Public Affair Section in Harare.

Among the 2011 USAP group, three students are physically disabled, several are the heads of their households having lost both parents, and others are the offspring of street and market vendors.

One scholarship recipient worked as a gold panner to pay his A’ level fees and another will be the first Zimbabwean student in a wheelchair to study in the United States.

“Today we celebrate the potential of education to change our nations’ futures.  This is a ceremony to mark the meeting of merit andopportunity, as well as the power of investing in the capacity of our youth for the future of society,” said Charles Ray, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

“And while we do this, it is also an opportunity to note the impact of positive cooperation between our two nations, Zimbabwe and the United States of America.  Education is crucial to the success of both countries. As we share education resources for the benefit of our young citizens, we both grow stronger.”

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was guest of honor at the event and hailed the USAP initiative while encouraging students to exhibit the true Zimbabwean spirit of hospitality and hard work.

“You must know that as your Prime Minister, I attended a humble primary school in rural Buhera and I did not have the great opportunity afforded to you today. So go and be good students, respect your hosts and work hard. Exhibit the true Zimbabwean spirit, that of hospitality and hard-work. Be vigilant,” said the Prime Minister.

In his congratulatory message, the Education, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, David Coltart, welcomed U.S. support to education in Zimbabwe.

“This year’s scholarship awards will enable more students to pursue thei goals and career paths through higher education, something they might not otherwise have been able to do.  Indeed, this generous support is particularly welcome at a time when families are facing increased financial pressures,” wrote the minister.

The US Student Achievers Programme (USAP) is a one-year intensive counseling program that assists academically talented but economically disadvantaged A’ level students to obtain full scholarships to top US colleges and universities.

The programme helps the students research the best academic programs for

their talents, prepare for standardized American university

entrance exams, and write application essays.

The US Student Achiever Program (USAP), established in 1999 in Zimbabwe, has

been replicated by 15 other US Embassies around the

world, including Embassies in Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Latvia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Mongolia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda,

and Zambia.

Since it began in Harare, over 200 Zimbabwean students have won full

scholarships covering tuition and fees, room and board, books and

other expenses for four year bachelor degree studies in the U.S