Gontor Modern Islamic Boarding School in Ponorogo,  East Java, and the British Council Indonesia launched a partnership on Aug. 26.

Titled English for Indonesia, the program aims to improve the English language skills of students in the school by offering reading, listening, speaking and writing materials.

“English is the international language in business, science and the world. To master the language means having the opportunities to create,” said Paul Smith, director of British Council Indonesia as quoted by Kompas.com.

The English for Indonesia program is accessible for students on the British Council website. Meanwhile, teachers are welcome to access the Teaching English materials. On Monday, the British Council also held a training program and English proficiency tests for Gontor teachers.  

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Darussalam University rector Amal Fathullah Zarkasyi said that learning English digitally was a way for Gontor to realize its mission of “freedom of thought”. The university is under the management of Gontor. 

“Learning English is the key to understanding science and technology. We teach the basic values at Gontor, while students can look for knowledge on their own. Armed with knowledge and language skills, we hope they can stay inclusive and tolerant,” he added.

First launched in Oct. 2018, English for Indonesia has trained 500 teachers from 16 cities in Indonesia. There are four websites designed to complement the learning process for all ages and skills, namely Learn English Kids for children and parents; Learn English Teens for teenagers; Learn English for adults, professionals and students; and Teaching English for teachers. (ran/wng)