A pilot project on civic engagement and education – Development of communication skills in English- Rathnapura District pilot project : Project number ID 00043763/00051172 & Fund Code -UNV/SVF (70100)
It was for the first time that a project of this nature was launched to teach English, free of charge, to marginalized youth. The six months long Project referred to as “Pilot Project on Development of Communication Skills in English” was sponsored by the UNV/VOICE. English knowledge and communication skills were imparted to 450 participants in 18 locations in the Ratnapura district by 15 volunteer teachers, initially. The Project commenced in February 2010 and the six month course was completed in July 2010.
A National UNV was appointed to coordinate and supervise the Project. By July 2010 over 350 students had completed the course. It was a diverse group of students, consisting of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims of different age groups ranging from 15 to 65 years and from different walks of life (students, graduates, drivers and others employed in the public and the private sector, Buddhist monks, unemployed and marginalized youth). At end of the course volunteer teachers as well as students were awarded certificates.
