Amidst its ongoing relief efforts in typhoon-hit Davao and conflict-stricken Gaza, Singaporean humanitarian NGO, Mercy Relief (MR) saw the scheduled completion of its sustainable development “English for Everyone” (EFE) programme in Yanjiang county, Sichuan.
Working alongside the Ziyang Poverty Relief Foundation and Singapore’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Management Studies (CSEMS), the 4-month intensive programme comprised a two-prong approach for 77 English language teachers from 60 elementary and high schools. The teachers were first introduced to a customised teaching methodology called the Teachers of English Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) through a series of teachers’ training workshops. Thereafter, the teachers were guided in their deliveries to the students at their respective schools, with the focus on instilling greater comfort and confidence in the learning and use of English. More than 40,000 Sichuanese students benefited from the practical-centric and activity-based programme.
This is MR’s sixth run of the EFE programme in Asia, having successfully completed the first five in the south, central and north Vietnam, Laos and South Sumatera, benefitting over 380 teachers and 50,000 students across the three countries.
Addressing the 500 students, teachers and education officials at the inauguration ceremony, MR’s Director of International Programme Sahari Ani said, “The appreciation for English has become exceedingly important for exploration of opportunities and development platforms in this very interconnected world and economy. This customised programme seeks to effectively equip our young with the necessary and relevant knowledge of the language, allowing them access to greater and valuable information which are substantially contained within the English medium.”
The closing ceremony saw the students showcasing their confidence and proficiency in English with ease and composure, through oratorical presentations and cultural performances on the various aspects of the Sichuanese life.
Teachers in Training – Language teachers from Yanjiang county going through a 4-week training which is divided into 4 modules over 4months comprising practical-centric and activity-based lessons.
Fostering Fluency for the Future – Supported by the Education Bureau of Yanjiang District in Ziyang County, the EFE programme was implemented in fun, friendly, interactive and practical ways to help the younger generation feel comfortable with the learning and use of English.
Smiles of Success – teachers from 60 schools in Yanjiang county were awarded with the EFE Certificates of Completion from MR’s International Programme Director Mr Sahari Ani and CSEMS’ Managing Director Hans Polar
A language richer, a better future – The 4-month programme benefited more than 40,000 students, equipping them with greater knowledge and confidence to practice and pursue English further.
Ease of English – A student sharing on the various aspects of Sichuanese life in English, with confidence and composure.
She responded fully and comfortably in English during the question & answer session.
Bye to being shy – Elementary and High school students performing and presenting cultural skits fully in English.
About Mercy Relief
Mercy Relief is a Singaporean humanitarian organisation which engages in both disaster relief and sustainable development programmes. It was established in 2003 as an independent non-governmental humanitarian charity responding to the human tragedies in Asia. Mercy Relief’s aid programme focuses on providing timely and effective assistance to disaster-stricken communities and has maintained the delivery of emergency aid within 72 hours from the point of appeal for assistance.
In the past 12 years, Mercy Relief has disbursed over S$32 million in aid across 40 disaster relief and 53 sustainable development initiatives. Mercy Relief has impacted an aggregate of 2 million lives in 24 countries and areas, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Yemen.
For more information, you may call us at 6514 6322 or email corporateaffairs@mercyrelief.org