“The John Keells Scholarship Programme  has opened a golden opportunity for students from rural and low economic backgrounds. I have gained better skills in writing and speaking English than before, after my completion of this course. I believe that this programme has improved my English knowledge more than enough to get through my O/L and A/L examinations easily so I’m looking forward to that”, said Thakshila Dilhara, a student from Welimada.

Thakshila is one of the 1,251 students from 21 locations of 17 districts to receive a scholarship under the John Keells English Language Scholarship Programme in 2015/16. Since project inception in 2004, more than 12,500 school children and youth have been empowered through this initiative which is aimed at enhancing English Language skills of school children and youth from socially/ economically disadvantaged backgrounds throughout the Island towards improving their opportunities for higher learning and sustainable employment. Owned and managed by John Keells Foundation and implemented through Gateway Language Centre, the John Keells English Language Scholarship Programme has sponsored a range of scholarship programmes over the years with its current focus being the ‘English for Teens’ courses comprising foundation, pre-intermediate and intermediate levels. The scholarship covers class and examination fees, text book, t-shirt and certificate. A total of 1200 children completed the programme in 2015/16, recording the requisite 80% attendance.

The John Keells English Day is an annual event organized as a platform for John Keells English Scholars such as Thakshila to showcase their talents through performance of various items, build self- confidence and also interact with students from various parts of the country. 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, Chief Guest Honourable Justice Mrs. Shiranee Tilakawardane, Retired Judge of the Supreme Court, said “Education is power, it gives you the ability to stand out. This English Language Scholarship Programme not only focuses on theoretical knowledge but practical aspects, 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 at 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 progression and development after completing the course. A special performance was made by scholars of the the Chavakachcheri Branch, who though not qualifying for the competition, were recognized for their hard-work and commitment. The children acted out scenes from well-known stories and recited famous poems. Apart from performing, the audience was given the opportunity to witness children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds coming together, embracing their differences, 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, Ms. Nadija Tambiah, Head of CSR, John Keells Foundation, said “Every year, we try to reach thousands of children and provide them with access to the best resources and latest approaches in English Language teaching and learning. English is often referred to as a global language, it is a passport to wealth and opportunity. As such, our commitment to educating children is much more than teaching them a language, it is about enabling children to achieve their dreams.”

Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of Gateway Group, remarked: “Communication and collaboration are considered to be among the most important skills for the twenty first century. If this is true, one cannot think of a better way of assisting the youth of this country than providing them with opportunities to learn English. The English Language Scholarship Programme of the John Keells Foundation has not only worked towards building the communication skills of students, but gets them to collaborate through events such as the annual English Day.”

The performances were judged by a panel of three distinguished personalities in the field of English Theatre: Ms. Sashi Mendis – Associate of the Trinity College London in Performance and the owner of her own drama school,  Ms. Aroshie Jayasinghe – the head of Gateway School of Speech and Drama and the head of the local wing of LAMDA Examinations – Sri Lanka, and Mr. 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 judges commended the general quality of the performances and the efforts put in by the students as well as their teachers.

The winning drama was performed by the Ampara branch. Entitled ‘Our Mission’, a story written and directed by their branch teacher, highlighted the issues that still arise from a community that suffered through the civil war for more than two decades and the racial prejudices that still exist. The piece ends on a happy note as the community realizes that the only way to move forward is for all religions and races to work together in peace and harmony. Kurunegala branch were the runners up in the drama category. Jaffna branch won the 1^st place in the poetry category while the Negombo branch were runners up.

The Best Performer’s trophy was jointly awarded to T. H. Navodi Sapna Malshani from the Ampara branch and R.G.S. Kavishka Jayawardhana from the Kurunegala branch.