310 more workers graduate from English course in UAE

Dubai - Since 2016, Dubai-based NGO SmartLife has been conducting the English language training programme for the workers.

Another batch of blue-collar workers proudly walked up the SmartReading stage where they were handed their certificates and prizes for completing a four-and-a-half-month English-speaking course.
Since 2016, Dubai-based NGO SmartLife has been conducting the English language training programme for the workers, aiming not only to improve their communication skills but also to empower them.
In the latest graduation ceremony, recently held at Gems Wellington Academy, Dubai, 310 workers expressed their happiness by showing off their newly acquired English-speaking skills in panel discussions and speaking about their journey in front of a packed auditorium.
One of them was Margaret who joined the course as a cleaner in a school but, because of the programme, she is now an assistant teacher.
"I joined this course reluctantly but I didn't realise this was actually paving the way for a bright future for me. Many times, I was on the verge of quitting the course as I found it hard to dedicate my only holiday (Friday) to studying, but my teachers motivated me to complete this course. I am what I am now because of my teachers at SmartReading, who gave up their precious Fridays to be with us," she said.
Every batch is split into Junior 1, 2, and Senior 1, 2, 3, and 4 levels, depending on the English-speaking skills of the workers. These students then dedicate a couple of hours their Fridays to classes where they are taught by volunteers, who are not necessarily professional teachers but they are people who have the skills and are willing to give up their personal time for the workers.
The prize distribution at the graduation event is divided into three categories: The regular graduates who stayed with the programme and completed it; those who aced the exams and emerged as toppers; and those who were present all the time and got 'good attendance prizes'.
There were five overall toppers out of the 310 graduates, and each of them was given a laptop. Toppers were chosen based on their best performance in the exams, along with other factors, such as their attendance, participation and behaviour in class and curiosity to learn.
Sunitha, who works as a bus conductor in a Dubai school, was awarded a laptop and could not hold back her tears.
"My son back in India is about to start his graduating course, and he has been telling me the importance of having a laptop and how he would need one. But I had to turn down his request for there is no way my family can afford a laptop.
"Now SmartReading has not only honoured me on-stage but has also given my son a lifeline to continue and finish his education."
Nobody went home empty-handed. Even the regular graduates got gifts and prizes.
"Each blue-collar student who earned his proud moment on the stage is somebody who works very hard from Saturday to Thursday but still has devoted two hours of his precious Friday towards empowering himself. Working in an international arena and understanding the importance of good communication in English is the first conscious acceptance when they enter our programme," said Manjula Ramakrishnan, president of SmartLife and project lead for SmartReading.
"We have had several success stories, where our students have been promoted in their jobs after the completion of the various levels, and this is the best reward for our efforts,"
saman@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE