In January, Goducate started a programme called Happy Happy English for foreign workers living in a huge dormitory Tuas, in the far west of Singapore (see Jan 24 and May 7 blogs). Goducate has now started a similar programme in another dormitory in Jurong East, in the western part of Singapore.
The Happy Happy English programme consists of a few weeks of “edutainment”, which takes the form of an entertaining video about certain aspects of Singapore, combined with a stage show, games, and the learning of some English phrases. Before the 12-week course starts, there is a session for placement tests for those who want to join the classes. The lessons are very interactive, with facilitators on hand to lead in small-group activities and chats.
The residents in the second dorm have generally been in Singapore longer than those in the first dorm, and the level of English is on the whole higher among those who have registered for classes. The lesson plan for the 2 higher-level classes will consist of watching a video first before the students break up into groups to discuss the video.
The aim of a Happy Happy English is to give the foreign workers confidence in speaking functional English and to make them feel welcome in Singapore.
