Senegal has launched an English program in nursery and primary schools to improve global communication among its youth. With over 600 classes participating, the initiative emphasizes early language acquisition to prepare students for future job markets. Despite challenges such as teacher shortages and resource deficiencies, the program seeks to cultivate linguistic proficiency alongside national languages.
Senegal has initiated an English language program in nursery and primary schools, allowing children to learn alongside French. This effort, which started in mid-January, aims to enhance global connectivity for the country’s youth amid an unprecedented demographic shift and emerging oil and gas production. Over 600 classes have adopted the new curriculum, incorporating English lessons into their weekly activities every Tuesday and Thursday.
This program addresses the need for language skills as Senegal aims to prepare students for better job opportunities by enabling them to communicate effectively in English. Teacher Absa Ndiaye observed increased student engagement with phrases such as “how are you?” being used in conversation. This approach places language learning at an earlier stage to ensure proficiency in a global lingua franca.
Although English was previously confined to high schools and universities, the initiative seeks to broaden access from a young age. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is committed to maintaining Senegal’s strong relations with France while diversifying its international partnerships. The education ministry is focused on enhancing communication skills to position Senegalese youth more favorably in the job market.
However, challenges persist, with Aissatou Sarr Cisse, head of the English program, revealing that many students struggle to communicate in English even after years of study. The program is designed to remedy this, delivering two lessons weekly that cover essential topics such as daily greetings and understanding the environment. Teacher Mamadou Kama has noted a high level of student motivation, indicating a strong demand for more frequent English lessons.
Despite insufficient teaching resources and materials, teachers engage students with innovative methods, including tablets and interactive materials. The initiative has garnered praise for addressing the necessity of English in diplomacy, international collaboration, and access to scientific knowledge. Experts emphasize the importance of adequately equipping teachers, as their effectiveness underpins the program’s success.
Critics, such as Samba Dioulde Thiam, highlight the potential pitfalls of the initiative, including a lack of qualified educators and concerns over prioritizing English at the expense of national languages. Others, including former Education Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam, suggest that understanding previous educational shortcomings would have been prudent prior to implementation. Nonetheless, students like Aissatou Barry express enthusiasm for learning English as part of their curriculum.
The introduction of English in Senegal’s nursery and primary schools represents a strategic effort to enhance future employment prospects for young people. Despite facing significant challenges, including teacher shortages and resource allocations, the program aims to cultivate linguistic skills that align with global standards. The success of this initiative hinges on effective training and support for educators and timely implementation of resources, all while navigating the complexities of educational priorities in the nation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
