English Language Fellow Alumna, Karen Francis, introduces "English for Industry Practicum Course" to equip Jamaica's Teachers and youth for Global Opportunities
- Empress Zaria
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
English Language Fellow Alumna, Karen Francis introduces “English for Industry Practicum” to Equip Jamaican & African Teachers and Youth for Global Opportunities
Kingston, Jamaica — English Language Fellow Alumna, Karen Francis, introduces 'English for Industry' Practicum Course — a ground breaking initiative designed to certify Jamaican & African teachers and learners for business and careers opportunities in Ai, Computer Technologies, and IT related industries.
English Language Fellow Alumna Karen Francis designed the English for Industry Course to ensure Jamaican teachers, Jamaican learners and foreign workers in Jamaica have access to American English courses. In countries like Jamaica where English is the official language, visitors entering for tourism, work, education, or citizenship are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency through internationally recognized standards such as the IELTS exam. While Jamaica shares this heritage as a former British colony, enforcement of such requirements has been inconsistent due, in part, to limited access to researched based English language courses. Karen's 'English for Industry' Course addresses this gap by facilitating MOOC Camps for Jamaican teachers and foreign workers in Jamaica.
The English for Industry Practicum will certify Jamaican teachers to deliver specialized English courses to companies operating or desiring to operate in Jamaica whose employees’ first language is not English. The certification provides access to American English MOOC Camps which will also expand Jamaican teachers opportunities to offer private tutoring or other teaching opportunities via Fiverr.
As part of their training, teachers will also receive cutting-edge EdTech training which include:
• Coursera
• Moodle
Karen's practicum course provides real time applications so teachers can pilot their classes directly in the latest Education technologies via Haile Selassie I MetaVersity's Vr Platform.
Karen, an avid EdTech advocate, who facilitated an Ed-Tech conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, expanded upon her English Language Fellowship by establishing Haile Selassie I MetaVersity (HSIM) to serve as a pioneering Virtual Reality space where education, innovation, and economic opportunity converge in the MetaVerse.
As the first and largest immersive learning environment of its kind, HSIM provides Jamaica's teachers and students with more than just cutting edge Educational Technologies—it creates pathways to real-world income and professional advancement.
Through its Payoneer-enabled contractor system, students who enroll into the program gain access to internship opportunities that seamlessly transition into online jobs with remote recruiters like Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, Guru, Freelancer. By combining immersive education with tangible career pipelines, HSIM bridges the gap between learning and earning.
Rooted in the vision of HIM Haile Selassie I, HSIM advances knowledge in Ethiopian and African history, culture, and philosophy while also offering practical courses in Business English, global commerce, digital trade, and career development. “Education develops the intellect; and the intellect distinguishes man from other creatures. The key for the betterment and completeness of modern living is education. But, ' Man cannot live by bread alone '. Man, after all, is also composed of intellect and soul. Therefore, education in general, and higher education in particular, must aim to provide, beyond the physical, food for the intellect and soul. - Haile Selassie I
Designed to remove barriers of geography, the HSIM Virtual Reality platform fosters international collaboration, enabling students and educators to engage in interactive, experiential learning while simultaneously preparing for participation in the global digital workforce.
In addition to offering internship opportunities to Haile Selassie High students, the 'English for Industry' Program will offer internship and student exchange opportunities for graduating seniors from Jamaica’s homeschool, public and private schools communities.
Participating students be provided with scholarships for advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence, IT, and Cybersecurity through Coursera's Certification programs, available via the HSIM MetaVersity’s VR-based Open Courses.
Upon successful completion, graduates will transition into the HSIM English for Industry Internship Program, which includes:
• 6 months of internship experience with HSIM
• 6 months of industry immersion with companies like Fiverr, Guru, Upwork, & Freelancer
• Career placement in specialized areas of computer technology
As part of their linguistic and cultural development, learners will spend 6 months as exchange students in Jamaica or another English-speaking Caribbean country, strengthening both English proficiency and cross-cultural workplace readiness.
“This program empowers Jamaican workers, teachers, and youth by giving them access to the global opportunities without having to leave their country,” said Karen Francis aka Empress Zaria, Founder of Haile Selassie I MetaVersity. “English is a valuable resource that we can use to establish technology, innovation and Ai related businesses and careers.”
The English for Industry Practicum begins this Fall 2025 with its first cohort of Jamaican teachers and students and expansion planned at colleges and Universities across the Caribbean.
Teachers and English Language Learners can access HSIM's Professional English Network and Free English for Industry Courses via HSIM Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
Register for HSIM MOOC Boot Camp here
Explore HSIM Virtual Teacher Scrum Room
Explore HSIM Student Learning Portal
Learner Registration Portal
Information Session for American English MOOC Camp August 31, 2025 Pre-Register Here
Haile Selassie I MetaVersity is a virtual learning platform dedicated to providing access to world-class virtual education and workforce training through immersive VR learning experiences. With state-of-the-art virtual classrooms, Ai Led Trainings, and structured career pathways, HSIM is reshaping the future of education and employment—equipping learners to become global citizens, digital entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors.
Media Contact
Karen Francis MEd aka Empress Zaria
Founder, Haile Selassie I MetaVersity
📞 +1 (876) 816-1953
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