British Council and Karnataka state ( MOU)
The Karnataka government has teamed up with the British Council to introduce four innovative skilling programs, aiming to enhance higher education and improve employability for students. This initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
Key Programs:
- Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT): This program will select a cohort of 30 participants—5 students and one faculty member from various universities, including Bangalore University and Gulbarga University. Participants will benefit from a two-week immersive learning experience at the University of East London from November 9 to 22.
- English Skills for Youth: Developed in collaboration with Microsoft India, this initiative focuses on enhancing English language skills for young adults aged 18-25, particularly in state-run engineering colleges.
- Capacity-Building Training: Aimed at international officers, this training will equip them with the necessary skills to foster global collaborations.
- Freemium Digital Library Wall: Inaugurated at Bengaluru City University, this resource will provide students with access to a range of digital materials to support their learning.
Alison Barrett MBE, director of the British Council in India, emphasized the programs’ role in promoting mutual understanding and enhancing educational opportunities. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to driving positive change through education and skills development.
The new skilling programs, launched by the Karnataka government in partnership with the British Council, will be implemented at 16 government engineering colleges under the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), benefiting approximately 5,795 second- and third-semester students.
Program Details:
- English Skills for Youth Initiative: Students will engage in 40 hours of self-paced coursework via the Microsoft Learning Management System, complemented by 30 hours of in-person or blended English practice club sessions.
- Capacity Building for International Officers: This program aims to enhance the internationalisation efforts of Indian universities. The KSHEC has selected 28 universities and over 56 participants for this capacity-building workshop.
- Freemium Digital Library Wall: Located at Bengaluru City University, this digital library will provide faculty and students with free access to a variety of digital content, enhancing learning resources.
These initiatives are designed to equip students with essential skills and support faculty in fostering a more globally connected educational environment.