The English education has been given a vital place in the Lak Daruwo project. In the ever-improving modern world, English is the most commonly used language by the communities around the globe. Therefore, if we are to bring these children up to serve our country in a significant manner, they must be fluent in English language to interact with other world communities and to perform tasks within the country.

English language is taught in every school in Sri Lanka but the traditional teaching methods employed in these schools have failed to generate much success. Children, who are used to exam-based education system that exist in Sri Lanka, commonly perceive English as another subject that can be learned just by preparing for an exam. Sri Lankan educators have failed to understand that English is a language that can only be mastered by using it in day-to-day activities. Their wrong perception has specially affected the children in rural villages where there is virtually no usage of English language in day-to-day life. Since Lak Daruwo focus on this set of children, we have a tremendous task of employing correct techniques to make these children learn English by using it. This also involves changing the attitude of children, as well as of parents, towards the concept of learning English as a language. Most of these children are reluctant to use English mainly because of the fear of making mistakes and also believes that English language is not for them.

Lak Daruwo uses more practical approach to teach English. Our primary focus is to make the children fluent in English communication. We also do not focus primarily on English grammar although it is important mainly because it is already being tough in schools and private tuition classes that many children attend. We use following techniques.

• Team-based activities using day-to-day scenarios - This makes them talk in English about simple but most commonly used topics. Children are less reluctant to use English in small groups of friends. These activities take the fear away from them and help them to speak naturally.

• Listening activities - We use several widely used English Listening Media kits and have children listen to these tapes. This helps them learn how to pronounce words correctly, the tone of natural speaking, etc.

• Use computers to engage children in activities that help them learn English. There is numerous computer software available to promote English teaching and we use them extensively in the centers where we have computer facilities.

• Use the English language to teach English instead of native Sinhalese language. This is a policy that is strictly enforced in some centers. This is implemented once we reach a certain standard.

• Organize dramas and musical items done using English. These fun activities encourage children to use English comfortably.

• Make them read English storybooks. We have built small libraries in each center. This way, children have a chance to improve the vocabulary.

• Organizing English camps and resident English programs. These programs are very effective but very expensive to host. We hope to find people who would like to sponsor these events.

• Organize events in centers that are conducted solely in English. During these events students do presentations, speeches and drama's using English language.

In addition to the above techniques, we also encourage children to use English whenever they can. Listening to English channels in radio and reading English news papers, etc. are also encouraged.

Our English language program has helped many of the children in Lak Daruwo tremendously. Teaching how to use English for communication to the rural children, who never use English language for anything, is one of the most challenging tasks for us in Lak Daruwo. However, we have developed good techniques that are working on our children and we will continue to improve our methods.

We plan to implement more programs for our children with the help of professionals. Guiding and motivating the children according to the talents they show are a main task in our agenda.