‘English day 2012’ with John Keells scholarship program

By Shanuka Tissera
For over seven years, the John Keells Foundation’s English language scholarship program has enhanced the English language skills of school children and youth from socially/economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program intends to improve the standard of English Island wide where ‘English day 2012’ took place at Bishop’s College on 28 August.

This is one of the many CSR initiatives of John Keells Foundation and is an approved charity following recommendation issued by the Ministry of Education. Over the years, the program which is implemented through Gateway Language Centres island wide, has benefited over 5600 school children and youth through various programs designed to supplement the school curriculum of the relevant age group. “Society has been divided into many sectors, from race to religion and materialistic nature. We believe that this division in Sri Lanka is converging and we must help educate our children in the English language,” said Gateway Group Director Dr. Harsha Alles.
Scholarships awarded include the internationally recognised two-year Edexcel Diploma program, four to six month courses for schoolchildren and school-leavers and customised programs designed to suit special groups such as the undergraduates of the University of Moratuwa Transportation and Logistics and trackers of the Yala National Park. The focus since 2009/10 has been ‘English for teens,’ a four month course aimed at providing foundation level English training for school children aged 12-14 years.
Over 1100 scholarships were awarded where classes were conducted all over the island.
John Keells Holdings Chairman Susantha Ratnayake said, “The English day showcases the talent of these young scholars and will demonstrate the fact that each and every child has the capacity and ability to grasp the English language. We know that young scholars will be in a better position to contribute to the development, progress and prosperity of our country.” The foundation also piloted an advanced scholarship program for those who received an Honours Pass to follow the pre-intermediate level program.
According to a recent study by the University of Cambridge, ESOL examinations surveyed the language skills of over 50,000 secondary level students from 1200 schools spread across 14 countries.
The survey showed that it is essential to base language teaching on effective communication skills and not just on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. In a world were English is the spoken medium of business, it is vital that school children today, have the opportunity to craft their language skills to further grow as individuals.
This program has clearly planted the seeds of ‘English language learning’ in the lives of these children. The showcase day complemented this effort and encouraged these children to further their language development. Over 700 students received certificates for completing the course where the day continued with performances by the school children from poetry to theatre and music.