Programs to improve English and IT

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Ministry of Education will open three Provincial English Language Supporting Centres (PELSC) at Mannar, Bibile and Kurunegala to improve the English language and Information Technology skills of over 200,000 children.

The educational programs of these centres are conducted under the supervision of the English and Foreign Languages Branch (EFLB) of the Ministry of Education and these centres are scheduled to be opened in June by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Director, EFLB, Ministry of Education, Lionel Premachandra told the Sunday Observer that a recent research had revealed nearly 75 percent schoolchildren and school leavers in the Northern, Uva and Wayamba provinces are not conversant with the Language.

"This situation prompted the EFLB to set up PELSCs in the provinces and commence training programs".He said week-end English courses will be conducted at these centres for teachers. He also said although majority students in the Eastern province had shown interest to learn English they were unable to fulfil their aspiration due to various reasons.

"With the dawn of peace children have focused their attention towards learning English and computer which will benefit them to persue higher studies and also seek employment.".

He said a sum of Rs. 60 million was spent on the construction of the building which consists of an office room, an auditorium to accommodate 150 persons, two class-rooms to accommodate 15 students each, a hostel for 80 students and a computer centre.Director, Premachandra also said that four officials each from the Education Department have been appointed to educational programs conducted by the centres.He said steps will also be taken to conduct special English courses for public servants in these provinces.