Basic English Programme

Comments from last years course (Oct 2009-Dec 2009)

"This class gave me the energy to follow and complete the course. Even though I had to walk 9km to get the the class, I cam everyday. It was a really good class. I have improved a lot. I would like to continue onto the one year course also."

Rushan

"My English knowledge was at a low level, but now it has improved. Only you helped me to improve it. Thank you for the service that you gave me. You didn't ask for any money from us and that was a good thing for us. The teachers were very kind and gave me lots of motivation."

V.Sathiyaojothi

"This course was very useful to me. It gave me the chance to speak in English. It also helped us to improve our English knowledge. I would like to thank those who organised the course." 

R. Premalatha

"This course helped me to improve my English knowledge. The teachers taught the lessons very well and were also very friendly. It made me feel very comfortable and gave me motivation. I would like to thank those who helped us follow the course."

S. Sasikala

"From this course we improved our English knowledge lots. The teacher was good because they explained the difficult things in our mother tongue but the rest was English. I would like to thank those who organised this course, and the teacher."

S. Parameshwaran

" The class was very important to me. The teachers really cared for us and taught the lessons very well. We also had comfortable furniture. Thank you Tea Leaf Vision."

Punitha


Background to the programme

The Basic English Programme is part time course run for 3 months toward the end of the each year (September to November). The course has been primarily developed for those wanting to enroll on the one year Professional Development Training Course, but who need to improve their English before the course starts. This course will enable dedicated students to study in the English medium. Those who achieve the required standard will be offered places for the full-time course. Last years programme started a little later, as we were still trying to find a building for our educational programmes. 

Who are our target groups?

  • Young people from remote areas in and around Maskeliya, who are unable to find sustainable employment options due to a lack of professional office and English skills

  • Unemployed young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who can commit to 3 months part-time study

  • All ethnic/ religious groups, male and female   


Curriculum outline

The components of this course will increase English language skills:

  • English Speech and Pronunciation
Increasing confidence, ability and professionalism in the use of English

  • English Grammar and Writing
Increasing confidence and legibility in the use of the written word


Basic English Programme 2009

Last year, students attended either morning or afternoon classes, four days a week. They had to guarantee that they would attend all of their classes (unless there was an emergency) and wanted progress onto the full time one year Professional Development Training Course, to gain a place. This course was free.

Lessons learned

In practice, many of the students used the free course as a means to learn fill in between examination results and starting courses they had already signed up for. Also, 10-15% of students did not turn up regularly for lessons, or dropped out when another course became available. Some also had a problem as they were working and managers would change their shifts. Rather than inform the teachers, so that they could join repeat classes, they just didn't turn up and ended up missing the lesson altogether.

Basic English Programme 2010

We have now made changes to the programme for this year:

  • The course will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-3pm at the Tea Leaf Vision Centre for Professional Development. 
This is because the Centre is home to the full time course on the week days and there are not enough classrooms. Also, students are more likely to attend a two day course rather than a four day course.

  • The course will charge a nominal fee
Experience with both the Nuwara Eliya Outreach Project and the Maskeliya Community English Programme shows that people are more likely to commit to a programme if they have to provide something towards it. A fee of 200 rupees a month (£1.20) per student will be charged.

If you would like further information about the Basic English Programme, please email us at info@tealeaftrust.com