To arrest the escalating problem of inadequate English Language proficiency among today’s youth, the Information and Communications Technology Davao Incorporated (ICT Davao Inc.), the umbrella organization of all IT groups hosted by Davao City, seeks to provide intervention through a public capacity enhancement program called “English Proficiency for High School Teachers”. A 100-hour program on English Proficiency by training provider, Concentrix Institute (CXI), is designed for Thirty (30) Public High School English teachers who have been pre-selected by the Department of Education.

A collaboration of ICT Davao Inc, the Dept of Education – Davao City Division and the Davao City Government through the Committee on Education, Science & Technology, Culture & Arts; the project will further strengthen partnerships between private sector and public sector IT champions.

Last Nov 28, 2009, the teacher-beneficiaries and the project proponents gathered at the Concentrix Institute to jumpstart the 14 day training session. During the oath of undertaking the teacher-recipients swore to fulfill their responsibilities cascading to their students learnings they will acquire during the training.

           Part of the training launch included an afternoon tour to ICT companies such as, Mynd Consulting for Software development

and Digital Interface for IT vendors. “The tour to Mynd Consulting (Software Development) was both interesting and educational. I feel the need to allow my students to explore and allow them to design their own softwares.”, says Mary Ann Jacinto, representative from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School.

Leah Mandafe of Mintal Comprehensive National High School added that “the visit to Digital Interface opened us new trends on products and services of the IT industry. They religiously put in plain words all the answers to our endless queries about their IT equipments. Now we can better relate to our young students.”

The participants are already looking forward to the succeeding sessions where they can further enhance their English skills and at the same time have BPO appreciation tours and simulations.