Ruth Gee is new British Council regional director

Updated on: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

New Delhi: Ruth Gee has taken over as the regional director of the British Council’s operation in India and Sri Lanka and will be based in Delhi. In 2000, she joined British Council, the UK’s international organisation for education and cultural relations. Her previous career in the UK was concentrated in the world of education and training within schools, colleges and the university sector. She acquired a reputation nationally as a strong advocate of equal opportunity and diversity, and was a monthly columnist in Times Higher from 1989-92. She strongly supports the development of people through coaching, mentoring and work shadowing and has benefited herself from positive role models.

Gee, who took over from Rod Pryde, said she wants to build on the work done by her predecessor. She further added, “I would like to see more undergraduate students from the UK visiting and studying in India. Besides, we are working with different partners for our ‘Connecting Classroom’ programme. We are helping to develop the sports curriculum in six states, to increase accessibility. I am a strong advocate of integrated education.”

Increased awareness and subsequent government initiatives are beginning to have an impact on English-teaching across education levels. To facilitate interaction among key representatives of the government, industry and academia on ways to resolve policy impediments, the British Council has been organising the ‘English Policy Dialogue’ since 2007. “This year, the conversation will continue at the Third Policy Dialogue — English for Progress — on November 18, 19 and 20 in Delhi. The Policy Dialogue will highlight areas and identify best practices that can potentially benefit the education system, teachers and learners,” she added.

Ruth Gee is new British Council regional director

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