British Council and Karnataka Government Partner on New Programmes Aimed at Enhancing Academic and Professional Skills.

Four New Educational Programmes Launched by British Council and Karnataka Government to Strengthen Skill Development

The Karnataka government and the British Council announced the opening of four new educational initiatives on September 10. The British Council and the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes these projects. The launch of these programs will open new opportunities for higher education in India.

"English Skills for Youth" is an initiative by the British Council and Microsoft India to improve the English proficiency of students in Karnataka Government Engineering Colleges. Other new programs include "Capacity Building Training for International Officers," "Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) program by GREAT" for the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, and the opening of a "Freemium Digital Library Wall" at Bengaluru City University.

The Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) will choose a cohort of thirty participants for the SCOUT program. The cohort will consist of two KSHEC officials, five students, and one faculty member from each of the following universities: Bangalore University, Bengaluru City University, Gulbarga University, Raichur University, Tumkur University, and Rani Channamma University. From November 9 to November 22, this group will participate in a two-week immersive learning program at the University of East London.

This program offers valuable international exposure to foster academic excellence, innovation, and research skills to deserving students from less privileged backgrounds. This initiative is designed to empower participants to positively impact their communities and future careers. Key themes for the program include Sustainable Development Goals, Critical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Personality Development. The "English Skills for Youth" program is designed to enhance the English language and communication skills of young adults aged 18-25, initiated by the British Council in partnership with Microsoft India, aimed to equip participants with essential language skills to support their academic and professional growth.

5,795 students in their second and third semesters will benefit from this program, which will be implemented across 16 Government Engineering Colleges under the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). In addition to 30 hours of in-person or blended English Practice Club meetings, participants will complete 40 hours of self-paced coursework via the Microsoft Learning Management System (LMS). KSHEC has selected 28 institutions and more than 56 participants for training under the "Capacity Building for International Officers" program, to strengthen Indian universities' internationalisation initiatives. This program will offer modules that are intended to improve the efficacy and skill sets of international officers playing an important role in the exchange of knowledge and creating fruitful results in the Indian education system.

In addition, the Karnataka Minister of Higher Education officially opened Bengaluru City University's Freemium Digital Library Wall. This new resource increases the educational and research materials available to instructors and students by providing access to a freemium layer of digital information.

Editor’s Note:

The Karnataka government and the British Council launched four new projects on September 10 to promote skill development and higher education. These programs are an important part of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) and the initiatives to improve workforce preparation and educational possibilities. The initiatives include Bengaluru City University's Freemium Digital Library Wall, the English Skills for Youth program, the SCOUT project for exceptional undergraduates, and Capacity Building for International Officers.

Skoobuzz appreciates the initiatives as it is dedicated to supporting professionals' and students' practical skills, global participation, and academic performance. These education programs will benefit students to excel in their higher educational programs.