DAVAO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – More than 11,000 students are now enrolled in the Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) program implemented by the United States Agency for International Development-Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) in 22 partner colleges and universities from all over Mindanao.

Nikki M. Meru, GEM media liaison officer, said JEEP program which started in 2010, is an intensive two-year program, designed by an international team of experts, which is aimed at dramatically improving the English language proficiency of students enrolled in selected universities in Mindanao. It is conducted in dedicated JEEP laboratories where students interact with state-of-the-art English language training software under the supervision of specially trained teachers.

Meru said JEEP program begins with the one-year JEEP-Start course which is designed to develop advance on General English skills. It focuses on students' proficiency in general English.

She said the second year of the course, known as JEEP-Accelerate, is classroom-based, focuses on the specialized English skills required by employers in areas such as Nursing and Allied Health Services, Maritime Services, Travel and Tourism Service, Business Process Outsourcing and Other International Employment.

"After completing the start course, another one-year course utilizes the mixed-mode instruction to teach English specifically for employment in high-growth sectors, such as travel and tourism, nursing and allied health care, maritime services, and other areas of international business," she said.

Meanwhile, Meru said 54 college teachers from nine schools from all over Mindanao are now undergoing another set of training on new teaching guides and resource materials during the recent Teacher Training Program held in this city. It is also implemented by USAID-GEM.