English language training for Arugam Bay youth

The Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) has commenced an English language course for the youth of this popular beach town, as a first step in introducing community-based development initiatives, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and potential of the community of Arugam Bay.

"Arugam Bay being a popular tourist destination, improving the knowledge of English and creating greater awareness of its importance is vital for the future development of the industry as well as the individual," said Chairman ABTA, M.H.A. Raheem. The ongoing spoken English training program also will support Government initiatives of attracting 2.5 million tourists by 2016.

"An investment for life - fluency and good command of the English language, will ensure that locals are better equipped to interact with visitors and address the challenges of the industry and the global environment. It will also pave the way for hoteliers to increase their income, attract new visitors and improve efficiency, provide youth with greater employment opportunities contributing towards community development," said Raheem.

The program is conducted by Srajano Saray, a Dutch national, retired nurse and therapist living in the Pottuvil DS Dvision, who had earlier conducted teaching programs for children in Arugam Bay, in the aftermath of the tsunami, six years ago. He had once again volunteered to train the youth on behalf of the community, said Raheem.

The current program on Spoken English for Youth aims to improve fluency in the language, while developing communication, presentation and listening skills. It also enables the youth to gain greater self-confidence.

At present, 25 youth follow the program, which is held three days a week at the ABTA office. The duration of the program is six months.

The program is conducted with the support and blessings of the local community, and such initiatives will increase their involvement in the development process and empower and uplift them, which is vital as Arugam Bay makes rapid progress into the future.

Raheem also said that the Association has held discussions with government organisations and other authorities, bringing to their notice the need to make English language compulsory in the schools in Arugam Bay.

The Association has also pointed out the need for professional English teachers for the area.

In addition, English language will help youth develop their computer literacy and knowledge in information technology, which is vital in today's environment.