English classes light the path to success at
the MCC Centre of Excellence
What does a classroom full of excited Sri Lankan
children have to do with a record breaking solo climb
through craggy English mountains? Not much you might
think, but the people about to embark on a journey to
learn English and increase their opportunities for a
prosperous future do so thanks to the determination of
Foundation friend Miloš Stanković.
Almost a hundred children and adults
are now enjoying free English classes at the MCC Centre
of Excellence, the Foundation of Goodness’s (FoG)
education and training centre in Seenigama.
Excited locals packed the room at the official opening
ceremony of FoG’s English Teaching School on 21st July,
which was attended by FoG Founder and Trustee Kushil
Gunasekera and Co-ordinating Secretary Mr Sampath Viraj.
Many people filled out a registration form on the spot,
eager to start learning.
English skills are a key aspect of
enhancing employment opportunities in Sri Lanka and FoG
has enlisted the skills of highly regarded teacher Mr
Samantha Ranganath to create courses that are practical,
fun and interactive.
English Teaching School co-ordinator Ms Tanya Perera
said that while English is taught at school, FoG’s
classes will provide the extra help these often
disadvantaged rural students need to excel in the
language.
‘It has always been part of FoG’s vision to
provide people in this area with the opportunity
to build their skills and so have a better
chance to succeed on a more equal footing with
their city cousins,’ she said.
Classes are held twice a week for groups ranging
from grades one to 12, as well as an adults’
class which FoG staff attend.
So far between thirty and forty
students come to each class - with numbers growing each
week.
Ms Perera is delighted with the popularity of the
classes, and describes the style of teaching as bringing
fun into the equation.
‘Our classes aren’t just an ordinary ‘classroom
seated’ session like school education in the
village. It allows the students the opportunity
to learn and interact with each other and play
educational games,’ she said.
‘The first day included group interaction
through recitation of poems as well as learning
the alphabet, some grammar and games to ‘break
the ice’, resulting in laughter and beaming
smiles on the faces of these young individuals.’
The initial success of the classes is
a positive indication that students understand the value
of increasing their English skills and are keen to make
the most of this opportunity.
Thanks to the funding and
awareness raised by Milos Stanovich’s ‘Greystoke
Mountain Marathon’, a sponsored 315 mile
marathon race against time in the UK’s Cumbrian
Mountains, the people of Seenigama can now also
embark on their own personal challenge to a
create a brighter future for themselves through
education.
