In Bangladesh, many people want to learn English so that they can get better jobs or earn more.
But many assume it is a goal beyond their reach.
Sultan Mahmud is a 31-year-old construction manager. He too felt hampered by his inability to talk English, as he needed to speak to foreign clients.
“Twelve months ago I couldn’t speak in English. I always felt shy,” says Sultan. “But now, after listening to the BBC, I can understand.”
He used BBCJanala, our interactive educational service.
He’s more confident and we don’t lose projects
The initiative encourages people to pick up the phone, to listen, interact and learn, with support resources on web and TV.
The level of education is no barrier, as lessons offer access to different stages of learning. “People say to me how is this possible?,” says Sultan.
“How can people learn English if they’re illiterate? But it isn’t a problem. I tell them to try because it is so simple — anyone can pick up a mobile.”
There are 50 million mobile phone users in Bangladesh, and now many of them are dialling in to access hundreds of English language audio lessons and quizzes.
The calls, that cost less than the price of a cup of local tea, offer three-minute lessons that are updated weekly.
Sultan’s older brother Mohiuddin Alamgir Suprio, who owns the business, has noticed a marked change in his sibling’s performance since he began using Janala in December 2009.
“Now he can meet clients and deliver on that side of our work. He’s more confident and we don’t lose projects.”
Mohiuddin was so impressed that he now rewards his most promising employees with mobile phone credit to use BBC Janala.
