Felda Moves To Improve English Of Settlers' Children

By Joshua Foong LONDON, Feb 29 (Bernama) -- A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) of Malaysia and City and Guilds has been signed to provide English Language training for children of Felda settlers fresh out of secondary education. Felda chairman Isa Samad said the move to work with City and Guilds is part of Yayasan Felda's programme of reforms to develop its colleges to higher levels. The collaboration will see the UK-based vocational awarding body assist Felda in developing and certifying a quality English Language programme to be up to par with international standards. "We feel that City and Guilds' English for Young Learners will help cultivate a positive attitude towards mastering the language. Through the syllabus and teaching approach, the younger generation of Felda will be able to grasp and use the language with confidence and excellence," he said at the headquarters of City and Guilds here Tuesday. Isa later witnessed the MOU signing between Yayasan Felda CEO Dr Emel Faizal Mohd Mokhtar and City and Guilds Head of International Development Mike Dawe. The qualification provides the important first steps for young learners on their path of English Language development, which is key to educational success and better career prospects. Dawe, when approached, said his organisation is ready to cater for Yayasan Felda's intention to move forward in implementing suitable vocational programmes from the 550 that are available. "The aim now, after the English Language qualification sets the basic building block, is paving the way to the wide possibilities that we offer in the language particularly training for trainers and perhaps for other qualifications including engineering, catering hospitality - qualifications to support the growing economy of Malaysia," he said. A three-month programme had commenced in January with 192 participants from the first batch. The participants were given a full-board English Language training, which involved classroom and out-of-classroom learning. -- BERNAMA