The FINANCIAL — Young Belarusians are being given the chance to better understand and connect with the EU through a new two-year education programme, according to British Council.
The Roots and Treetops project, which includes intensive English language training from the British Council, aims to enhance education and employment opportunities for 18 to 35 year olds from Belarus by improving their knowledge of the European Union and its languages.
Fully funded by the European Commission and coordinated by the Goethe Institute in Minsk in partnership with the British Council and Alliance Française de Moldavie, the project looks to improve participant’s knowledge of English, French or German by at least two steps in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language, reaching at least level B2 by the end of the two years.
The second part of the programme is focused on developing participants’ intercultural communication competencies, followed by moderated meetings with representatives of civil society, student and professional groups, including British Alumni Society, NGOs, academics, media, central and local government representatives.
The British Council has organised English language courses for 120 young people, whilst the French and German partners have organised respective language courses for 90 participants each, according to British Council.
Those involved are currently undertaking an intensive language training course with teaching in Poland, as well as 160 hours of moderated online learning.
It is hoped that the participants will use their learning experience to create both professional and personal contacts with their EU counterparts, as well as increase their knowledge and understanding in order to encourage other young people in Belarus to connect with the EU.
“We are delighted to be sharing our English language teaching expertise to help young Belarusians better understand and connect with the EU through the Roots and Treetops project. Using languages as a tool to help improve cultural understanding and openness is key to our work at the British Council and we hope that the benefits of this project will reach far and wide as those involved inspire other young people in the country to enhance their education and employment opportunities,” Andy Williams, Director British Council Poland said.
The project culminates in a visit to Cardiff for 70 chosen participants in August this year, giving those involved the opportunity to familiarise themselves with British culture, civil society and political values. It includes a trip to London where participants will visit major British institutions such as the Houses of Parliament.
This project will contribute towards the British Council EU strategy aiming to reach 100m young people by 2025 who will have benefitted from the British Council-inspired international experience, according to British Council.
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