In Italy, knowledge of English is the most important soft skill for work. A recent survey found that 95 per cent of employers want people with good English. 41% of candidates were rejected because their English was poor. Though Florence is relatively wealthy, about 12% of the population still live in poverty. The opportunity to learn English properly can transform the life chances of disadvantaged young people in Florence, where good English is an absolute requirement for employment in key sectors such as hospitality, tourism and fashion.
Advantage al British is a programme that teaches English to disadvantaged young people in Florence, empowering them to find good jobs and succeed at life. It has recently been recognized with the official patronage of the Comune di Firenze, in recognition of the valuable contribution it is making to the city.
“The Advantage programme has helped me improve my English and I think it has increased my chances of finding a future job more easily,” these are the words of a 17-year-old student at the Saffi Hospitality School, where Advantage has been developed by The British Institute of Florence.
Il British, as the Institute is universally called by Florentines, is known and respected for the quality of its English language teaching. Generations of Florentines have benefitted from studying at The British Institute, but this opportunity has been out of reach for the poorer communities in town. Now, thanks to generous donations from private patrons, the Advantage programme is closing that gap by offering carefully crafted English course and workshops in the technical schools that serve these disadvantaged communities.
For the last three years, a rigorous build-and-test process has developed a truly effective programme, transforming the English language skills of over 300 students at the Saffi Hospitality School. This year, Advantage al British is expanding to two other technical schools serving the tourism sector to offer this life-changing opportunity to hundreds more disadvantaged young Florentines.
To sustain the Advantage al British programme, the British Institute is currently running a fundraising campaign round the December 2 Day of Giving. Please give generously here.
Help The British Institute help the young people of Florence!
