English4Ukraine: Launch of a platform for learning the English language
On 26 July, Mariupol State University launched the 'English4Ukraine' English language learning platform. This is the Ukrainian version of the British platform Reallyenglish, which has been used worldwide by companies and educational institutions for over 20 years.
As part of the cooperation, the company Reallyenglish.com Limited has transferred the licence rights of the platform to Mariupol University to popularise the study of English in Ukraine. The British-Ukrainian Twinning project founded by the Cormack Consultancy Group played an important role in granting the platform rights to MSU.
The Rector of MSU, Mykola Trofymenko, opened the event. In his welcoming address, he spoke about the university which is not only a place to get higher education in extremely difficult times for the country but also a place to interact with communities and an opportunity for people of all ages to learn throughout their lives.
Dmytro Tomas, a leading specialist in the Department of Technical Teaching Aids of Mariupol State University, introduced the English4Ukraine platform and its functionality to the audience. It contains 30 training courses for different language levels, covering general, business, academic, specialised English (ESP), IELTS, TOEIC and TOEFL test training. With the help of lessons, it is possible to improve speaking, listening and writing skills, and extend the vocabulary.
Thanks to British donors, the platform will be available for free after the signing of the relevant memorandum. At the first stages, Mariupol University plans to cooperate with universities participating in Twinning, as well as state institutions for which knowledge of a foreign language is mandatory. Later, the educational institution will provide such an opportunity to internally displaced persons, military personnel and war veterans.
After the presentation, there was a discussion about the importance of mastering the English language for every Ukrainian. It is a great honour for Mariupol University to be the first to popularise its study at the national level, to make it accessible to everyone.
