John Keells: English Day 2016
"Education is power, it gives you the ability to
stand out.":
The
John Keells English Day was held at the Bishop's College auditorium
recently. It provided a platform for the John Keells English scholars to
showcase their talents through performance of various items, build
self-confidence and interact with students from various parts of the
country. The chief guest was retired Supreme Court Judge Shiranee
Tilakawardane and senior management of the John Keells Group and the
Gateway Language Centre.
Since the project's inception in 2004, more than 12,500
school-children and youths have been empowered through this initiative
which is aimed at enhancing English Language skills of school children
and youths from socially/ economically disadvantaged backgrounds
throughout the island towards improving their opportunities for higher
learning and sustainable employment.
Owned and managed by the John Keells Foundation and implemented
through the Gateway the Language Centre, the John Keells English
Language Scholarship Program has sponsored a range of scholarship
programs over the years with its current focus being the 'English for
Teens' courses comprising foundation, pre-intermediate and intermediate
levels.
The event featured drama performances and poetry recitals from
students from various backgrounds, religions and races. It was a
wonderful gathering of children expressing themselves in the form of
performing arts. Speaking at the event, the chief guest, Justice
Shiranee Tilakawardane said "Education is power, it gives you the
ability to stand out. This English Language Scholarship Program not only
focuses on theoretical knowledge but also practical aspects and it is
wonderful to witness the confidence and pride showcased by these
children on stage."
The best 10 items out of the 21 branches were selected through a
first round of judging to participate in the English Day, enabling
children from various parts of the country including Panadura, Ampara,
Jaffna, Negombo, Kurunegala, Bandarawela, Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and
Ratnapura to celebrate their progress and development after completing
the course. A special performance was made by scholars of the
Chavakachcheri branch, who though not qualifying for the competition,
were recognized for their hardwork and commitment.
The children acted out scenes from well-known stories and recited
popular poems. Apart from performance the audience was also given the
opportunity to witness children from diverse and disadvantaged
backgrounds coming together, boosting their confidence, and building
bridges of friendship and goodwill. The level of enthusiasm and energy
of the students on stage was a remarkable sign of their new-found
confidence and ability.
Speaking at the occasion, Nadija Tambiah, Head of CSR, John Keells
Foundation said. "As a key stakeholder in Sri Lanka's economy, the John
Keells Group believes it has a key role to play in partnering the
development of Sri Lanka into the future.
The performances were judged by Sashi Mendis, Associate of the
Trinity College London in Performance and the owner of a drama school,
Aroshie Jayasinghe, the head of Gateway School of Speech and Drama and
the head of the local wing of LAMDA Examinations, Sri Lanka and Hans
Billimoria, Theatre Producer, Director and actor, and Director of The
Grassrooted Trust, working on issues related to gender based and
intimate partner violence in Sri Lanka.
The Best Performer's Trophy was jointly awarded to T. H. Navodi Sapna
Malshani of the Ampara branch and R.G.S. Kavishka Jayawardhana of the
Kurunegala branch.
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