The dawn of peace has signalled new beginnings for all Sri Lankans alike, especially for those in the northern and eastern parts of the island.
With this renewed landscape the Gateway Group marked a significant milestone in its journey of bringing light to the students of the north and east. Gateway's latest branch was made in the Jaffna peninsula recently, paving the way for learning of the highest global standards. At the inception Gateway Jaffna will deliver English, ICT and Career skills training, which is the need of the hour to motivate and open up avenues for their futures.
The ceremonial opening of the Gateway Jaffna branch being graced by Mr. Lalith Ramanayake, Executive Vice President, and Head of CSR, John Keells Holdings plc, Mr. S. Sunthereswaran, Head, ELTC, University of Jaffna, Dr. Harsha Alles, Director, Gateway Group, Mr. E. Saravanapavan, Gateway Franchise Holder and Managing Partner, IT Island, Jaffna. |
The branch in Jaffna adds to a total of six Gateway branches established in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Gateway branches in Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Ampara and Vavuniya commenced operations during the period of the war with Mannar being the addition, immediately preceding the Jaffna launch.
Quoting Dr. H. K. Alles, Director, Gateway Group at the opening ceremony in Jaffna; "We believe that true peace can be achieved by providing equal opportunity to all Sri Lankan students alike.
A few years prior to this, we would not have envisioned being able to mark our presence in Jaffna. It is truly a dream come true to be able to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth and better equip them to face the many challenges ahead of them. We hope to keep alive our organization's promise of "From Foundation to Graduation" in Jaffna as well, in time to come. Our first batch of students would be a part of the English Language Scholarships provided by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation. We are honoured to be partnered by such an esteemed organization during our launch in Jaffna."
The English Language programmes offered would be those of Cambridge ESOL and Pearson Language Assessments. They would include; General English designed for learners at all levels from Foundation to the very advanced proficiency in English, Business English suitable for adults (aged 16 and over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work, English for young learners designed to assess the English of primary students of the ages of 6 to 12.
Gateway will also offer examinations through the Awarding Body of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) which is dedicated to the creative, intellectual and social development of the individual as a whole.
The key programme that will be offered under Career Skills is the Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP), which is endorsed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC). ASAP is the only certified Soft Skills training programme in Sri Lanka.
'Soft Skills' will help enhance the ability to communicate effectively, improve employee's organisational skills, increase efficiency and leadership skills, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and also help boost self-confidence.
The ICT skills development programmes offered would be those developed by the ECDL Foundation, which is the global governing body of European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), and International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).
The programmes would include ICDL, e-Citizen, Advanced ICDL, e-Type and other specialised products such as ICDL CAD, ICDL ImageMaker and ICDL WebStarter. Gateway believes that these are essential skills that will help bring young individuals success in a new world filled with opportunity.
As is the vision of the organization, Gateway Jaffna will take pride in being a part of the complete development process of students not merely by providing education but by building their personalities as well.
Further details on courses offered can be obtained by visiting the branch at 347, Kasthuriyar Road, Jaffna or by calling 021 5675555. |
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