DFCC Bank, the Bank for Everyone, has successfully conducted its “Samata English” programme for the 4th year, as an online course, due to COVID -19 restrictions, in Anuradhapura, Badulla and Vavuniya. The Samata English programme is a special initiative by DFCC Bank, conducted in line with its broader sustainability strategy, to promote spoken English skills and develop various soft skills among youth aged 18-25, helping them to enter the workforce with confidence.
The graduates of this year’s DFCC Samata English programme were felicitated at Graduation Ceremonies held at DFCC Bank’s Branches. These ceremonies saw participants receive certificates for having completed the course, while also getting an opportunity to meet some of DFCC Bank’s senior management.
The DFCC Samata English programme was previously held for 3 years consecutively in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for youth in Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, Ampara, Rathnapura, Polonnaruwa and Jaffna, benefitting over 300 students. However, in 2020 and 2021, the Bank was unable to conduct the programme as a result of the global pandemic. This year, the programme focused on youth in the Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Badulla Districts, with over 50 young people benefitting from the programme. These youth will now have the necessary spoken English and soft skills required to enter the workforce.
Commenting on the initiative, Senior Vice President – Retail Banking & SME at DFCC Bank, Aasiri Iddamalgoda said, “It gives me immense pleasure to say that, despite the challenges we face, we have been able to continue the DFCC Samata English programme. As a socially responsible bank, we have identified the importance of English language proficiency and soft skills development for our youth. Individuals with these skills will be able to easily enter the workforce and progress in their chosen careers, while also being empowered to communicate with a global audience. Furthermore, education is one of the 6Es of our Sustainability Strategy, which has led us to be extensively involved with various educational initiatives. This initiative also aligns with our commitment to developing resilient communities. At DFCC Bank, we intend to continue with these initiatives, providing hope to our communities, even in these difficult times, as we look forward to a future where our youth can chase their dreams and live the life they wish.”
DFCC Samata English involves a 3-month-long study programme for spoken English, covering areas such as improving communication skills in English, basic grammar and sentence structures, improving listening, reading and writing skills needed for the job market and activity-based learning, including pair and group work. In addition to this, participants also take part in a soft skills development programme, which looks at areas such as being a good team player, time management, how to face an interview, and presentation and writing skills.
The DFCC Samata English programme is conducted free of charge. Participants are also provided with a free data allowance and a hands-free headset to allow them to attend online sessions without any encumbrances. Applications were obtained for the programme via DFCC Bank’s Facebook page, and suitable candidates were selected through an initial online assessment.
Driven by its Sustainability Strategy, DFCC Bank is committed to creating resilient communities that can thrive through the increased opportunities that education brings. In addition to the DFCC Samata English initiative, the Bank also conducts various other educational and socially responsible initiatives. The best-performing participants of this programme will further be entitled to preferential internship opportunities at DFCC Bank.
