John Keells English language scholars showcase language skills at English Day

“I must thank the John Keells Foundation for the scholarship that they gave us,” said K. Fathima Nafeela, an enthusiastic John Keells Scholar from Bandarawela. “I’m so happy because I can now speak well in English whereas earlier I wasn’t able to share my ideas and expressions with others in English.”

Fathima shared her sentiments in a short address at English Day 2012 held on 28 August at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo 3 which showcased the English language skills and talents of the John Keells English Language Scholars of 2011/2012 from across the island. The English Day is an annual event organised by John Keells Foundation (JKF) – the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, in collaboration with the Gateway Language Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest at the event, Secretary to the Ministry of Technology and Research Dhara Wijayatilake said, “The John Keells English Language Scholarship Program is extremely significant because it gives an excellent opportunity for children to enhance their communication skills in a universal language.” In her address to the children, she emphasised that this is only the beginning of their learning and urged them to continue to master the English language.

The scholars displayed their talent in drama, poetry recitation, narrative and public speech with much enthusiasm, among the highlights of the program was a humorous play titled ‘Bankers’ performed by the Kurunegala students, an elaborate ensemble titled ‘Treasure Hunters’ presented by the Ampara students and a thought-provoking play about equality titled ‘Rainbow’ performed by the Ambalangoda branch. Poems included the well-known ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ by the students of Chilaw, ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by students from Jaffna, ‘The Long Ago – You and Me’ by the students of Mullaitivu and ‘Peace’ by the students of Batticaloa.

At the event 398 Honour students received certificates for the ‘English for Teens’ course they had completed in the 2011/2012 fiscal year. In addition, 23 Honour students out of the advanced ‘Pre-intermediate’ level course also received their certificates.

Speaking on the occasion, JKH Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunawardene expressed his joy at witnessing the presence and performances of children from Jaffna to Tangalle, Negombo to Trincomalee representing the majority of Districts in the country. “We are committed to continue with this program in the coming years, and we hope to take it to the next level to ensure that the English language truly becomes the driving force in this country,” he said.

English for Teens is a foundation-level program designed to help early teens (aged between 12 and 14 years) to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases and to interact with others in English in a simple way. In 2011/2012, JKF sponsored two such intakes under which an aggregate of over 1100 scholarships were awarded. The courses were conducted in 19 Districts, namely, Ambalangoda, Ampara, Bandarawela, Batticaloa, Chilaw, Colombo, Jaffna, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Matale, Matara, Mullaitivu, Negombo, Panadura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Tagalle and Trincomalee. An aggregate of 1088 school children completed the course.  In 2011/12, the Foundation also piloted an advance scholarship program, offering scholarships to the students of the 2010/11 English for Teens program who received an Honours Pass to follow the pre-intermediate level program. The program was conducted in Bandarawela, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Kurunegala, Negombo and Panadura with 69 students completing the course.

“Societies are divided based on religion, race or community. But in Sri Lanka, the main dividing factor is the ability to speak English,” said Dr. Harsha Alles, Director, Gateway Group which administers the program island wide for John Keells Foundation. “This is why corporates like John Keells have stepped forward to address this issue.”  The English Language Scholarship Program (ELSP) of the John Keells Foundation was launched in 2004 in collaboration with Gateway Language Centre. This long-term project is aimed at enhancing English language skills of school children and youth from across the island to improve their opportunities for higher learning and sustainable employment in an increasingly competitive world. As at 31 March this Program had empowered the lives of over 5,600 individuals.