The University of Cambridge ESOL Sri Lanka office and Skills for Life (Pvt) Ltd, an authorized centre for the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) examinations, recently concluded two awareness programmes in Colombo and Kandy. The session in Colombo was directed towards corporate and educational establishments of both the public and private sectors. The successive event in the hill capital, Kandy was graced by Sarath Ekanayake, Chief Minister of the Central Province and officials of the Provincial Ministry of Education, Department of Education, Principals and teachers of schools in the Central Province.

A speaker from the University of Cambridge enlightened the audiences of Colombo and Kandy on the importance and relevance of University of Cambridge English Language qualifications, especially for candidates whose native language is not English. The speaker also emphasized on the international recognition placed on these qualifications and why they should be taken up in a country such as Sri Lanka.

Skills for Life is an organization that provides well researched, widely accepted curricula in key skill areas that have become training priorities today. The courses on offer not only assist in training new entrants to the workforce but are also aimed at nurturing young talent from early childhood. All curricula offered are backed by state-of-the-art course material that have been either published internationally or developed by international consultants. On completion of all courses of study, Skills for Life will provide an assessment that leads to internationally accepted certification. These are offered in partnership with the world's leading awarding bodies in order to deliver globally accepted programmes of study in Sri Lanka.

The three core areas of focus include Career skills, English proficiency and ICT skills. The English Language programmes offered under the Skills for Life portfolio meet international standards, as the curricula are designed according to the Council of Europe Common European Framework. The programmes are carried out in association with leading British organisations such as Cambridge ESOL and Pearson Language Assessments. These courses are backed by the best support material available from Britain and are offered throughout the country at affordable rates.
English Language programmes include:

General English:
The main suite exams are designed for learners at all levels from Foundation to the very advanced proficiency in English. The main suite exams are known throughout the world and are widely recognised for work and study purposes. They give candidates practice in using English in a wide variety of contexts, relevant to work, study and leisure activities.

Business English:
Business English Certificate (BEC) of Cambridge
BEC is a suite of three exams designed to test English Language ability used in the context of business. They are suitable for adults (aged 16 and over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work. The exams cover the same range of language skills as the main suite exams, but with the emphasis on activities that are common in business.

English for Finance Professionals:
International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) have combined their expertise to develop the International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE). It is an ideal qualification for anyone thinking of, or already pursuing a career in accountancy or finance. ICFE can be used to validate financial English language skills and provide proof of linguistic ability and expertise.

English for Law professionals:
International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
ILEC is a Cambridge ESOL examination, developed in co-operation with TransLegal- Europe's leading firm of lawyer-linguists. Cambridge ILEC is a high-level language qualification suitable for law students and practising lawyers to communicate with clients and professionals in an international legal environment.

English for Young Learners:
Cambridge Young Learners English Tests are designed to assess the English of primary learners of the ages of 6 to 12. The tests are taken by over 250,000 children every year and provide a gentle introduction to public exams. Research shows that children find the tests motivating. Each level of the tests has three components- Reading/ Writing, Listening and Speaking- and all candidates receive an award showing the level they have achieved in each of the components.

Partnering with Skills for Life
Skills for Life offers accreditation to organizations interested in using their curricula as specialized courses of study. Training organizations, Universities and Schools that wish to add to their existing programmes of study can join hands with Skills for Life to enhance the learning experience of their students.

Corporates and NGOs are also invited to invest on Skills for Life courses to enhance the quality of their staff. Skills for Life also steps forward in project managing CSR initiatives of organizations, which offer funding for courses of study.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Skills for Life office on +94 112697766, +94 112697788 or 0772 544554 (Colombo) +948213842235 or 0777-922777 (Kandy).