‘The English Hub’ is a novel approach to learning the English language in Sri Lanka. Commencing operations in 2013, the venture has focused not only on teaching the language but also allowing students to think, speak and experience English. 

Founded by the Chairman and Managing Director Mohamed Hilmy Hassan and the Chief Executive Officer, Zara Zain, “The English Hub” caters to a wide variety of audiences ranging from the corporate sector and government officers to adult learners and students.

Speaking on the idea behind “The English Hub”, Chairman and Managing Director Mohamed Hilmy Hassan notes, “Understanding the visible lack in the usage of Good English in Sri Lanka, and knowing through our own experience the invaluable importance of being able to communicate well in the English language, Zara and I looked at how we could not just teach English to someone who didn’t know the language, but to also penetrate larger target groups like the Corporate sector and engage them in using the language accurately and to its full potential”.

The resource panel at “The English Hub” also speaks volumes of the level of expertise and quality in the programmes they deliver. Headed by Zara Zain who carries with her more than a decade of experience as a Corporate Trainer, the elite panel also features trainers and teachers from all walks of life with a sound knowledge of English gained from local and international English degrees, exposure abroad, being brought up in predominantly English speaking homes and experience in teaching.

In addition to the usual teaching of grammar and speech techniques, specially designed programmes for the adult segment include accent neutralization, public speaking and presentation skills, business and social etiquette, telephone etiquette and customer service, self awareness and stress management, and dress sense and grooming. Programmes to tackle the boardroom, a job interview and delivering the perfect presentation are also among the extensive curriculum. For the younger generation, “The English Hub” offers support classes for English, elocution, English literature, English camps and employability skills for older students.

Commenting on the curriculum itself Chief Executive Officer Zara Zain explains, “At The English Hub we look at the most innovative methods of getting our message across to the audience we are catering to. Each programme is specially designed for the target group. Our uniqueness is in providing a truly exceptional learning experience that covers all aspects of good English. The English Hub is not just another teaching institute, but an inspirational learning experience that is targeted towards the development of character and personality in English for both individuals and corporate sector”.

Conveniently located at 740, Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, “The English Hub” currently works on tailor-made programmes for the corporate sector apart from their routine classes for children and adults. The corporate sector training programmes are of premium quality carefully formulated to suit each organization. This provides the management with a clear and structured view of the training programmes and is the perfect proactive approach as it helps to identify, target and give the necessary strategic training required to match the exact requirements of the organization in terms of achieving their employees’ full potential.

The English Hub is currently looking at broadening their horizons and working with different sectors in order to enhance the standard of English education in the island while staying true to their ethos of “learn, think, speak and experience”.