John Keells sponsors English Language Scholarships

John Keells English Language Scholars showcased their language skills at their English Day recently. “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 am so happy because I can speak English well, whereas earlier I was not able to share my ideas and expressions with others in English.”

Fathima shared her sentiments in a short address at the English Day 2012, held recently, 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. English Day is an annual event organized by John Keells Foundation (JKF), the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, in collaboration with the Gateway Language Centre.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Guest Ms. Dhara Wijayatilake, Secretary to the Ministry of Technology and Research, said, “The John Keells English Language Scholarship Programme 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 emphasized that this is only the beginning of their learning and urged them to continue to master the English language.

The scholars displayed their talent by performing in drama, poetry recitation, narrative and public speech with much enthusiasm. Among the highlights of the programme 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. Over 398 students received Honour certificates for the course “English for Teens”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, Ajit Gunawardene, Deputy Chairman of John Keells Holdings PLC, expressed his joy at witnessing the presence and performances of the children from Jaffna to Tangalle, Negombo to Trincomalee representing the majority of Districts in the country. “We are committed to continue with this programme 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 programme 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. “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 programme islandwide for John Keells Foundation. “This is why corporates like John Keells have stepped forward to address this issue.”

The English Language Scholarship Programme (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.