“The English Hub” novel concept in learning English
View(s):“The English Hub”, launched in 2013, is a novel concept in learning the English language in Sri Lanka.
Founded by the Chairman and Managing Director Mohamed Hilmy Hassan and the Chief Executive Officer, Zara Zain, the venture not only focuses on teaching the language but also allowing students to think, speak and experience English.
“The English Hub” caters to a wide variety of audiences ranging from the corporate sector and government officers to adult learners and students, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
“Understanding the visible lack in the usage of good English in Sri Lanka, and knowing through our own experience the invaluable importance of being able to communicate well in the English language, Zara and I looked at how we could not just teach English to someone who didn’t know the language, but to also penetrate larger target groups like the corporate sector and engage them in using the language accurately and to its full potential,” the founders said in the statement.
The resource panel headed by Ms. Zain, who carries with her more than a decade of experience as a Corporate Trainer, features trainers and teachers from all walks of life with a sound knowledge of English gained from local and international English degrees, exposure abroad, being brought up in predominantly English speaking homes and experience in teaching.
In addition to the usual teaching of grammar and speech techniques, specially designed programmes for the adult segment include accent neutralisation, public speaking and presentation skills, business and social etiquette, telephone etiquette and customer service, self awareness and stress management, and dress sense and grooming. Programmes to tackle the boardroom, a job interview and delivering the perfect presentation are also among the extensive curriculum. For the younger generation, “The English Hub” offers support classes for English, elocution, English literature, English camps and employability skills for older students.
“The English Hub is currently looking at broadening its horizons and working with different sectors in order to enhance the standard of English education in the island,” she said.