JEDDAH — Thirteen employees from the Binzagr group completed the newly launched English for Workplace Effectiveness (EWE) program at the Effat University. The course was offered through the Executive Education and Community Service Institute (EECSI) at the university. The final presentations and the graduation ceremony were held on Wednesday. The course offered was an initiative of Ghazi Binzagr, a member of the Binzagr group, who felt there was a need for his employees to improve their level of English. He approached Effat University to provide the necessary language training. Andy Malaki, vice president of business organizational development at the Binzagr group, said: “One reason for approaching Effat University was that the institution has recently opened up to training for both males and females. “Also, Dr. Binzagr has a long standing relation with Effat University.” Initially 50 employees sat the placement test, out of which 15 were selected to take the course. Two employees were unable to complete the course so the final number of students was 13. The course was offered extensively over a period of four weeks. Classes were held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. twice a week – Tuesday and Wednesday – with two breaks during the day. Students were given training in different facets of language use, such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. Since the students were from a business background, training given was generally business-related. Students were trained in skills such as introducing themselves, talking to customers, writing corporate emails using business terminology. Assessment for the course involved quizzes, tests and assignments, and a final presentation, which was to be delivered at the end of the program. Raed Al-Oud, one of the students of the course, said: “Before taking the course I thought English was very difficult, and that I would have to go abroad to learn it. But by God's grace, now I can speak English better.” Al-Oud added that he did not face major difficulties in the course itself, but striking a balance between taking the course, fulfilling work and family responsibilities was difficult. “I have four children and I supervise the sales team at my company, so managing all of this was difficult. “I am very thankful to Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Andy Malaki, my supervisor Mohammed Balaraj, Aida Omet and Effat University for all their support.” Al-Oud and Omar Alghamdi scored the highest number of votes for their final presentations. Omet, an instructor of the course, said: “What really pleasantly surprised me was the student's determination in completing the course. “These men had jobs, families and other responsibilities, and still did their best to perform well.” Student supervisors were pleased with the students' performance in the final presentation. Malaki said: “I am very satisfied with the change in the students' language capabilities, and their increase in the level of self-confidence after taking the course.” The EECSI department at the Effat University offers courses and diplomas that are generally open to all. Courses offered are languages, information technology, business, art and design, and preparatory courses for standardized exams like TOEFL, SAT, GRE and Qiyas (national test).
