Justin Sherman, Country Representative for USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), today launched a U.S.-funded training of trainers program to enhance the standard of English teaching in the Jaffna and Trincomalee districts.

The program, managed and implemented by the British Council over an eight-month period, will develop the expertise of local professionals, and enhance the motivation, performance, and job opportunities of students. More than 500 teachers and teacher trainers, as well as 40,000
students in the two districts, will benefit from the program.

"USAID is enthusiastic about this activity for several reasons, not least among them the impact that English can have as a link language in a diverse society," Mr. Sherman said at the project launch in Jaffna. "As a benefit of peace, opportunities for self-advancement are at the top of the list. This training will give teachers the skills and tools they need to make a significant difference in the lives of tens of
thousands of young Sri Lankans."

USAID/OTI's Sri Lanka program generates support for a negotiated peace settlement to end the long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka. OTI-supported activities demonstrate tangible benefits of peace; increase the exchange of accurate, balanced information on peace issues; and promote community level conflict management and peaceful co-existence. Since March 2003, USAID/OTI's flexible and fast small-grants program in Sri Lanka has made 178 grants totaling US $4 million.

Note to the Editors: A virus-free photograph regarding this press release is attached. Its caption should read: "USAID/OTI Country Representative Justin Sherman (2nd from left) at the launch of USAID-British Council English teaching program in Jaffna."