In today’s world, English proficiency is crucial for securing good jobs, especially as the competition for international opportunities intensifies. While many schools in Udupi and Mangaluru offer English medium education, a significant gap exists in English proficiency between students in Tier 1 cities and those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. According to data from Cambridge English, students in Tier 1 cities have an average English proficiency score of 65%, compared to 45% in Tier 2 cities and just 25% in Tier 3 cities. This discrepancy leads to high drop-out rates in rural areas, with up to 30% of students leaving school due to lack of English skills.
To address this challenge, ZillionPathways, under the leadership of CEO Ronald Olivera, has partnered with Gulf sponsors to bring a world-class UK English program to schools in Udupi and Mangaluru. This 80-hour program, designed using Animation and Gamification, helps students achieve B2-level English proficiency. It has already been implemented in St. John’s Academy, Shankarpura, and Don Bosco School, Shirva, with 700 students enrolled. The program has been awarded the prestigious ELTon Award by the British Council, and it’s used by UK universities to train international students.
The importance of this initiative is profound, as students from rural areas often lack the resources to compete with their urban counterparts, who have greater access to quality English education. As Fr. Prakash Anil Castelino, Correspondent of St. John’s Academy, Shankarpura, pointed out, “The urban-rural divide is significant in learning English.” The program is a vital step toward leveling the playing field, offering students from Udupi and Mangaluru a real opportunity to succeed in the global job market.
With support from local sponsors and the City & Guilds of London, the program also provides students with a globally recognized certification, further enhancing their job prospects. As ZillionPathways CEO Ronald Olivera stated, “This initiative aims to reduce the gap between urban and rural students, providing them with the tools needed to succeed.”
In a world where English is often the language of opportunity, this program offers a beacon of hope to students in Udupi and Mangaluru, equipping them with the skills needed for a brighter future.
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