Redefining literacy and crafting futures

Anandi Jayawardena

This article is to mark International Literacy Day, which falls on Tuesday, 8 September, 2009.

In today’s world, the term ‘literacy’ supersedes a mere reading and writing capability. With increasing globalization, competitive job markets, rise in new media and the internet, the true meaning of ‘literacy’ expands to include not merely language competency, but also Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and “soft skills”.

The Government of Sri Lanka has markedly recognized the need for a holistic approach towards gaining literacy, as President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared 2009 the year of English and ICT. Speaking at the ceremonial launch of 2009 - Year of English and Information Technology, the President said, “The Year of English and IT is launched as a major initiative of the Government to help Sri Lanka meet the demands of the 21st century in skills and capacities, making the availability of a Life Skill for the rural sector.”

The President also said his Government lays emphasis on the unmistakable need to urgently equip the people, especially the youth, with proficiency in the English language on the one side and to provide them with access to computers and internet facilities, through the rapid development of use of information technology, on the other.

The John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (JKSRF) recognized this crucial need for empowerment and employability through enhancement of English language skills as way back as 2004, when they launched their English Language Scholarship Programme. In November 2008, the JKSRF launched “English for Life’: a customized program developed by Gateway Language Centre for John Keells which focuses on teaching Business English together with basic IT and career success skills to the 17-25 age group (Post Ordinary Level and Pre/Post Advance Level students and/or job seekers). Manager of the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation, Carmeline Jayasuriya, noted English and ICT comprehension to be generally identifiable areas for improvement in our country’s employable youth.

Career skills

She commented that while job seekers had many skills and specialties, English and ICT aptitude was generally lacking, thereby placing them at a disadvantage. It is this disadvantage that JKH strives to eliminate, by harnessing basic career skills, aiming to enhance the employment prospects, sustainability of skills and employment retention of eligible youth.

The popularity of the programme has palpably grown, with this year’s applicant rate reaching almost 4,000, exceeding last year’s by 1000. Following a placement test set by Gateway, they hope to enroll 1,200 scholars this year.

The scholarships cover course and examination fees, textbooks and other course material. Intensive classes are conducted over a period of two months at 12 centres islandwide, including Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Kalutara, Ampara and Gampaha.

‘English for Life’ is more than just an English and ICT learning program - but more an exercise in confidence building and personal development. John Keells Scholar, Nilupulie Bogahawatte, said she learned to interact with people from different backgrounds, gained life long career success skills, and had access to organized knowledge; “ I think it has moulded me to achieve my future goals and one day get the job of my dreams.” Another scholar, Fahadha Iraz, meanwhile commented that “today’s generation needs to be English and IT literate, and this course has helped me survive under such demands”, while adding that it was necessary for the development of our country.

International standards

The scholars’ parents were ecstatic about the opportunity granted to their children, saying that this exposure will assist them in facing their futures with confidence. Fahadha’s mother said that she was “glad to see her daughter learn business skills which she didn’t learn in school”; thereby giving her the self-assurance she needed to secure employment. In addition, “considering the high cost of English and IT classes”, she noted, “it is a wonderful opportunity for these students to receive these life skills free of charge”. Chithra Weerasekara commented that she was impressed by the resources, infrastructure and teaching provided for the program and was thankful to JKH and Gateway for giving her daughter this opportunity to better herself.

It must be noted that all teachers of the programme are given thorough training and the courses are benchmarked against international standards, so as to guarantee the very best for the students. In fact, each classroom is limited to 25 students, to ensure quality learning. In addition, two-way feedback is maintained through teacher evaluation forms, tracking attendance and monthly reports, enabling the mutual satisfaction of both students and teachers.

Indeed, the program is one which strengthens communication skills and self confidence: be it writing a Curriculum Vitae, facing an interview, operating in a team, sending an e-mail, surfing the net or making an oral presentation, the course gears their scholars for life.

This service is then, not only for the scholars, but also for the country as a whole. As Dr. Harsha Alles, Director - Gateway Group, pointed out, “This program is about creating opportunity for a generation with much potential that, however, needs help in personality development and confidence building.” Jayasuriya agreed, “Both for personal benefit and nation building, there is no better time to start than now.” She added; “If we’re looking at English as the language that can link all communities, then its importance as a communication tool is immense. People are able to communicate in one langue and bridge the divide. ICT adds to that: you open so many doors by being IT literate.”

The John Keells Group has a reputation for partnering government initiatives whenever possible, and evidently, this mission is no exception. Although the end of the ethnic conflict has brought optimism to the nation, the task at hand, creating and English and IT literate society, is not void of impediments. However, Project Champion for “English for Life”, Annoucka Weeratunge Fernando believes that the “keenness, urge and thirst for knowledge are apparent in all applicants, and this national goal could become a reality through a collective effort of both the public and private sectors”.

It was also noticed that through the direct benefactors’, the lives of a plethora of indirect benefactors are also touched: the family members and close friends of the scholars who also have exposure and learning via the trickle down effect. As the UNESCO Institute for Education in Hamburg once published, “Literacy means far more than learning how to read and write. The aim is to transmit knowledge and promote social participation.” Thus, numbers cease to be statistics for the scholars and their families, and instead become their life skills and their future.

National predicament

It is unarguable in today’s globalized and digital age that English and ICT knowledge are “must haves” for job seekers. With the war coming to an end, Sri Lanka’s employment opportunities are expected to grow.

However, the dearth of these two indispensable skills remains a severe setback, with the worst affected rural community having little, if not, no access to quality English language, ICT and business skills training.

It is in an effort to address this national predicament that the JKSRF is glad to support the Government of Sri Lanka in making the dream of ‘2009-year of English and ICT’, a reality.

As former United States President, Bill Clinton pointed out on International Literacy Day, 15 years ago: “Literacy is not a luxury, it is a right and a responsibility. If our world is to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens.”