Community-based development vital for Arugam Bay

Saturday, 30 October 2010 06:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) has commenced an English language course for the youth of this popular beach town, as a first step in introducing community-based development initiatives, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and potential of the community of Arugam Bay.

With Arugam Bay being a popular tourist destination, improving the knowledge of English and creating greater awareness of its importance among the people, is vital for the future development of the industry as well as the individual, said M. H. A. Raheem, Chairman of ABTA. The ongoing spoken English training programme also will support the Government initiatives of attracting 2.5 million tourists by 2016.

An investment for life, fluency and good command of the English language will ensure that locals are better equipped to interact with visitors and address the challenges of the industry and global environment. It will also pave the way for hoteliers to increase their income, attract new visitors and improve efficiency, provide youth with greater employment opportunities, thereby contributing towards community development, noted Raheem.

The programme is conducted by Srajano Saray, a Dutch national, retired nurse and therapist living in the Pottuvil DS Dvision, who had earlier conducted teaching programmes for children in Arugam Bay in the aftermath of the tsunami six year ago. He had once again volunteered to train the youth on behalf the community, said Raheem. The current programme on spoken English for youth aims to improve the fluency in the language, while developing communication, presentation and listening skills. It also enables the youth to gain greater self-confidence.

At present, 25 youth are benefiting from the programme, which is held three days a week at the Arugam Bay Tourism Association office. The duration of the programme is six months.

Further expressing his views, Raheem said that the programme is conducted with the support and blessings of the local community and such initiatives will increase their involvement in the development process and empower and uplift them, which is vital as Arugam Bay makes rapid progress into the future.

Raheem also stated that the Association has held various discussions with governmental organisations and other authorities, bringing to their notice the need to make English language compulsory in the schools in Arugam Bay. The Association has also pointed out the need for professional English teachers for the area. In addition, English language will help youth develop their computer literacy and knowledge in information technology, which is vital in today’s environment.

Improving English language skills among the youth of Arugam Bay is vital primary because the area is increasingly attracting tourists from across the world. This will also ensure that the youth of Arugam Bay are better prepared to face the future.