English for Employment Prospects (EEP)
Objectives
* To equip girls and women from low income families with English language skills to enhance their
employment prospects
* In addition, to give them access to information and enhance their self-esteem and social standing.
Reason
Sri Lanka has a literacy rate of 92.6 %, the highest in South Asia, but its English proficiency rate ranks very low at only 46.58%. However, today English is considered the most important skill requirement for career prospects and employment.
This project addresses this shortfall, with particular emphasis on less privileged women who can be extricated from traditional roles only through education, specifically with opportunities to learn English.
This falls in line with one of the Objectives laid out in the Constitution of GFS Sri Lanka : "To advance education, culture and any other charitable purpose for the benefit of women and girls".
This is linked to GFS Sri Lanka's 60 year old Hostel which provides safe accommodation to girls coming in to the city for the first time for new employment. Efforts are being made to expand the Hostel due to the demand for such facilities.
The Course
Applications will be called and selected applicants will sit for a placement test.
The Institution providing the English training will conduct a Course to suit the English knowledge level of the selected students. On completion of the Course, they will be awarded certificates.
Support
Incentives and financial support will be available for students. ie. travelling, accommodation, meals etc., if required.
Personality Development
Training and workshops on personality development, good grooming, social ethics etc. to complete the "total look" will be organized for the students while they follow the Course.
Employment opportunities
GFS Sri Lanka will try to identify employers seeking staff and enroll students to work as interns while following the Course.
Details of students who successfully complete the Course will be posted on the web and this information made available to those who are in need of such services.
Stage 1 : Pilot Project in Colombo Stage 2 : Take the Project to other areas of the country
Cost
The total cost of the Project is expected to amount to : Sri Lanka Rs.4,000,000.00 = GBP 20,643.00 = USD 26,238.00
FIRST REPORT - JANUARY 2017
We have made steady progress with the implementation of the World Project.
Bishop of Colombo
Our biggest challenge was to meet the Bishop of Colombo and obtain a message commending the Project so that it would be readily accepted by the clergy and community of the Anglican Church. Representatives of the GFS were fortunate enough to get an appointment in the Bishop's busy schedule and visited him, sought his blessings on the project and requested a message of endorsement of the project. The message so received was incorporated into our World Project promotional brochure.
Staff
Job descriptions and contract documents for the project staff were drawn up, posts advertised, applicants interviewed and suitable qualified personnel recruited to the staff of the GFS to coordinate and implement the World Project.
Course Provider
After comprehensive research and review, several English language course providers were identified and interviewed to ascertain that they met our strict selection criteria. Our search was narrowed down to one institute as they met all our requirements. A draft MOU with this institute is in the process of being finalized by our lawyer.
Promotion of the Project
Promotional material such as brochures, hand bills, posters, application forms etc were designed and printed to promote this project and identify potential beneficiaries. Promotional packs were distributed island wide to churches, deaneries, youth assemblies, Mothers Union branches, Board of Women's Work, Board of Education, Sisters of St. Margaret, theological colleges, schools etc within the Diocese of Colombo and the Diocese of Kurunegala which compose the Anglican Church of Sri Lanka. Traditional and digital communication methods were used.
We have received positive responses.
Administration and Finance
Project Planning documents and Activity Schedules for the period of the Project were prepared.
A separate bank account was opened for the World Project. The first payment of Rs.284,652.02 (Aust $ 2,504.70) was received.
A separate accounting system was introduced for the Project. Project vouchers, receipts etc were designed and printed.
A petty cash box for project funds and a filing cabinet for Project documents were purchased.
Advisory Committee
An advisory Committee was set up.
Additional promotion at grassroots level
Visiting churches, conducting special programmes in churches for girls such as good grooming, table etiquette and careers, inviting clergy and girls of several parishes for GFS events, strengthening and building ties with ladies of parishes by attending and speaking at All-Island Mothers' Union event and inviting them to GFS functions etc.
Pilot Project
The Pilot Project will begin upon completion of the preliminary work.
