John Keells launches ‘English for Life’ program

Recognising the need for proficiency in English to enhance employability, John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (JKSRF) launched a program titled ‘English for Life’. The program will focus on teaching Business English together with basic IT and soft skills to the 17-25 age group.

Classes will be conducted over a four months at 12 centres - Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Nawala, Negombo, Panadura, Trincomalee and Wattala - on weekends, facilitated by the Gateway Language Centre.

The initial advertisements calling for applications drew over 3,000 applicants, out of whom 1,000 were awarded scholarships after a placement test, set by Gateway. The scholarships cover course fees, examination fees, textbooks and other course material.

Director, John Keells Holdings PLC Sumithra Gunesekera, said. “It is widely accepted that English provides a vital competitive advantage in today’s digital age. It helps one become a better communicator and also enables one to expand his or her knowledge and outlook through access to vast amounts of literature.

As a leading corporate in Sri Lanka, we are only too aware of the importance of English for employment today. At least a basic knowledge of IT and soft skills has also become essential.

It was in recognition of this need that John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation, in collaboration with Gateway, decided to launch the English for Life course this year.”