NDB and British Council develop teachers' language skills

One hundred and seventy nine English teachers from over 87 government schools were awarded the 'English for Teaching' qualification validated by the British Council.

This was a special project to enhance the language and teaching skills of Secondary English Language teachers of Government schools by the NDB Bank and the British Council.

The program which commenced in 2012, aims at training English teachers in teaching methodologies, thereby increasing the standard of English teaching. It was conducted with the Ministry of Education in 10 areas in six provinces this year.

Over 175 teachers participated in a 120-hour training course which was conducted by Regional English Support Centre (RESC) trainers who had undergone British Council Master Trainer training.

The course concluded with an award ceremony where the English Teachers passed out with certificates in 'English for Teaching'.

The ceremony was held recently at the DHPL auditorium, Colombo. Officials of Ministry of Education, NDB, and the British Council were present.

Chief Operating Officer, NDB, Indrajit Wickramasinghe said, "English is the universal language of the global marketplace. Proficiency in this universal language is critical for the success of businesses and the economic progress of the nation. Therefore, today, English language has become an essential component in a child's curriculum."

"Teachers who nurture our children play a pivotal role in setting high standards of language proficiency in our future generation. With initiatives such as this program we strive to empower teachers to provide quality education," he said.

"We will continue to seek such opportunities to improve the standard of education and make a positive contribution towards this national endeavour," Wickramasinghe said.

Country Director, British Council, Keith Davies said "What we do in English creates opportunities for millions of people around the world. Improved English skills can open doors to education, employment, mobility and international engagement. It can also help build connections between different cultures and countries - which is why it remains central to our core mission as the UK's official cultural relations organisation. In Sri Lanka our work in English takes many forms," he said.

"This project which we deliver in partnership with NDB Bank is one example of our work in English delivered through meaningful corporate partnerships," Davies said.