Brian Roper helps to launch Capital L
11th March 2009
Brian Roper, Vice Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, and Professor Paul Webley, Director and Principal of the School of Oriental and African Studies today launched Capital L, the London region 'Routes into Languages' Project, at an event in the House of Lords.
Speaking at the event, David Lammy MP, Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property recognised the contribution of SOAS and of London Met, which he said is an institution that 'absolutely serves the young people of my constituency', in bringing together the consortium. He commented on the importance of increasing and widening participation in the study of languages in an ever more global business environment.
‘Learning languages offer students the opportunity to experience working and studying abroad, bringing with it the benefit of increased cultural awareness, improved self reliance as well as increased employability. I believe this project will make a significant impact on this country's language capability.’
‘The government is committed to increasing the number of people in this country with language skills in line with our languages strategy. Universities, working with schools and colleges have a real part to play and I am delighted to see the energy and enthusiasm the project has already stimulated.’
The Routes into Languages programme is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Capital L is a consortium of eight London universities working together to promote the uptake of languages in secondary schools and beyond.
The consortium, which is being led jointly by London Met and SOAS, also includes Birkbeck University of London, Goldsmiths University of London, the London School of Economics, Open University London Region, University College London, and the University of Westminster.
Together with the expertise of the Regional Language Network London, Comenius London, Aimhigher Partnerships, CILT, Local Authorities and schools and FE Colleges, the Consortium will deliver creative and interactive projects to enthuse young people about studying languages.