‘LEAP’, the newest ‘revolution’ in the higher education sector

ESOFT Metro Campus, the largest higher education network in the private sector Sri Lanka has launched ‘LEAP’, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project for a helping hand to G. C. E. Advanced Level qualified students to develop their inbor n talents for Information Technology (IT). Under this novel initiative, students with an unwavering objective to emerge as recognized professionals in the IT sphere and reach the pinnacle, will be afforded the opportunity of pursuing higher education to realize their dream of ascending the ladder of success. A veteran with more than 20 years experience in the IT field, Dr. Dayan Rajapaksa, Managing Director of ESOFT Metro Campus, is an eminent academic and professional, who has made a significant contribution towards the development of the industry in Sri Lanka. In an interview, he responded to the following questions:

Q: Are there sufficient job opportunities for IT professionals in the market?

Q: However, many parents aspire to make their children doctors, lawyers or engineers?

This is a belief which has remained deep-rooted in our society for a long time. A doctor, lawyer or engineer is held in high esteem and recognized by society. In comparison to other professions, their earning capacity is also considerably high. I am not rejecting that factual position. However, all parents in the country cannot aspire their children to be doctors, lawyers or engineers. In the modern world, IT professionals are not second to doctors, lawyers or engineers in terms of the high esteem and recognition they enjoy in society. Their earning capacity is also on par. Another distinctive feature in IT is that within a short time- frame, it will be possible to firmly establish oneself in their chosen professional sphere depending on capacity, capability and commitment. We established the LEAP Foundation with the key objective of outlining this position to students and parents so that they can be guided towards a feasible higher education path, which will give an impetus to develop their career prospects.

Q: What is the LEAP Foundation?

There are ample viable job opportunities available both in Sri Lanka and overseas to The LEAP foundation is a those who have acquired the necessary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) iniqualifications as professionals. In the modtiative powered by ESOFT, the largest, priern world, knowledge and Information vate sector, higher education network in Technology have become the economic the Sri Lanka with the vision of empowerfoundation. The specialty of Information ing the nation’s youth with employable Technology is that it’s a crucial, vitally skills and a globally accepted qualification. important factor across all industries, This Island-wide initiative is open to young trade and commercial sectors. As a result, people from across Sri Lanka with each in the future world, this segment will prodistrict being assigned a quota. Selected duce the biggest volume of job opportunicandidates follow ESOFT’s established acaties . demic pathway to obtain an internationally recognized 2 year HND followed by a 1 year Top- up degree from London Metropolitan University (UK). Under this initiative, we have introduced an easy and hassle-free system where students can opt to pay the fees for a three- year duration international graduate study program with a minimum monthly installment within an overall extended period of five years. We will also create the necessary background to enable the students to earn and pay this affordable minimum installment while being employed. This is an interest-free easy payment scheme which students will find within their capacity to repay. Clever, dedicated and committed students with a clear vision and objective can join hands with us to build a secure future for themselves. In this context, LEAP Foundation has come forward to give a boost to develop the IT skills of the nation’s youth and afford them an opportunity to acquire an internationally recognized qualification and secure gainful permanent employment in a prestigious IT company at an attractive remuneration.

Q: Who is eligible?

A: To be eligible for financial assistance through the LEAP Foundation, you must have completed your Advanced Level (A/L) examination with a minimum of 3 passes. Those who sat for A/Ls in 2017 can also apply pending results. All interested candidates would be required to sit for a mandatory IQ test and interview in order to ascertain their suitability. The ideal LEAP candidate would be intelligent, committed and ambitious with the drive to earn their degree. Each district will be assigned a quota and only a limited number of LEAP candidates will be accepted from each district.

Q: How does it work?

The total value of a British undergraduate degree for one candidate is Rs.750,000 which can be paid in monthly instalments of Rs.12,500 for a total of 60 months (5 Year). With LEAP, this cost can be handled in one of three modes. They are employer funded mode, sponsor funded mode and parent funded mode.

Under the employer funded mode, LEAP Foundation helps the student to get job placement in an organisation and the employer agrees to cover the cost of the entire degree. An allowance will be paid until the student has obtained their degree after which point, they can expect a regular salary on par with industry standards. Student will be required to sign a bond to ensure that they remain with the employer for the period. The benefits of employer funded mode are Zero cost to yourself and your family, Opportunity to earn while studying and working, Get valuable work experience at a young age and build a solid foundation for your future career.

Under the sponsor funded mode, LEAP Foundation helps the student to find a sponsor/s (e.g. Sri Lankan expats or other charitable individuals) who agree to loan the cost of the first 3 years. An individual (or group of individuals together) can thus sponsor a LEAP candidate by paying the monthly instalment for the first 3 years. The candidate then pays the loan back to the sponsor/s over the next 3 years while working and also covers the remaining payment to ESOFT. The benefits of sponsor funded mode are reduce the burden on your family by finding an alternate source of funds for your education, pursue full time studies (if you wish) since you do not have to work to support your degree (for the first 3 years).

Under the parent funded mode, Parents can also fund their child’s studies through LEAP Foundation. Under this model, parents bear the cost of the first 3 years while the student completes their degree. As the candidate can start employment from Year 3 onwards, they can take over the monthly payments from that point on. The benefits of parent funded mode are reduces the economic burden on your parents who do not need to pay a large lump sum at once, if you find a job or a sponsor early on in the process, you can also assist with the payments.

Q: What streams of study are available?

For the first batch in 2017, the LEAP Foundation will only be recruiting c a n d i d ates who wish to pursue Computing specializations. Therefore, candidates can select from one of the following degrees: BSc (Hons) in Computing, BEng ( Hons) in Software Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Computer Networking. For the purpose of this programme, Year 1 and Year 2 will consist of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma, and Year 3 will be the top- up degree from London Metropolitan University. In addition The LEAP reserves the right to change the University Partner to a suitable and similar British University.

Q: How to get more information about LEAP foundation?

If you are interested in applying for financial assistance through the LEAP Foundation, please visit your nearest ESOFT branch and submit an application form or visit www. leapsl. com for more information.