NEXTGEN SKILLS SHOWCASE IN NUWARA ELIYA CELEBRATES RESILIENCE, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN EDUCATION
(Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka): Young people from three Tamil-medium estate-sector schools took centre stage at the NextGen Skills Awards Ceremony and Student Showcase, held at Araliya Green Hills on 19 September 2026.
Through speeches, drama and dance, students shared something of the confidence, creativity and teamwork they had developed during the pilot. More than 100 participating students received certificates, while Peer Group Leaders, Teacher Supervisors, school leaders and education partners were also recognised for their contributions.
The event marked an important milestone in the British Council’s NextGen Skills pilot, delivered with the support of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Central Provincial Department of Education, the Nuwara Eliya Zonal Education Office and three participating schools: Holbrook Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Agarapathana Tamil Maha Vidyalaya and Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman College.
NextGen Skills builds on learning from the British Council’s girls-focused English for Digital and Girls Education (EDGE) programme and adapts the approach for the Sri Lankan context through inclusive, mixed-gender, peer-led after-school clubs. The pilot engaged 142 students, mainly aged 12–15, including 43 students trained as Peer Group Leaders.
Through practical activities, students developed English communication, digital literacy, social-emotional, leadership and wider life skills. Peer Group Leaders were supported to facilitate activities, encourage participation and create a space in which students could learn with and from one another.
Reflecting on their journey, Anju Moses, Head of English and School Education at the British Council in Sri Lanka, recalled how many students had joined the programme quiet and unsure of themselves, but gradually found the confidence to participate, form friendships, lead and be heard. For her, this was “the heart of NextGen Skills” – young people beginning to see themselves differently. As the pioneers of the pilot, their experience and achievements will help open the way for others.
Dr Madhura Senevirathna, Deputy Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education said:
“The NextGen Skills pilot demonstrates what becomes possible when young people, including those in underserved communities, are trusted to take an active role in learning. By combining English and digital skills with teamwork, confidence and peer leadership, the programme supports our priorities for more equitable, relevant and inclusive education. We welcome the learning emerging from this partnership as we consider how approaches such as this might inform opportunities for more students across Sri Lanka.”
Clare Sears, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka, said:“NextGen Skills reflects something central to the British Council’s work: English is not only something to be studied, but a means through which young people can express ideas, build connections and access new opportunities. By recognising students as contributors, not only beneficiaries, the peer-led model creates space for them to learn with and from one another.”
Dammika Godha Pathirana, Assistant Director Education – English, Zonal Education Office, Nuwara Eliya said the experience in the three schools demonstrated the value of learner-centred approaches that combine peer learning with focused development of English and digital skills. She noted that these capabilities are important for students’ further education, future employment and active participation in society.
Early monitoring identified encouraging changes in students’ confidence, English use, participation, collaboration and willingness to lead. It also highlighted the importance of Teacher Supervisors, school leaders and education authorities in creating the conditions in which a peer-led model can work safely and effectively.
The showcase celebrated how far the students had come while also offering valuable learning for the future. The British Council will continue working with the Ministry and its education partners to explore how the NextGen Skills approach could create opportunities for more young people, while strengthening its wider commitment to equitable, inclusive and relevant education in Sri Lanka.
