Senegal has initiated a program to teach English in nursery schools alongside French, aiming to enhance global engagement for its youth. Over 600 classes are participating, reflecting a shift in education policy prompted by a youthful demographic and recent economic developments. Despite enthusiasm for the initiative, concerns about adequate teacher training and resources persist, indicating the challenges ahead as Senegal strives to improve English proficiency among its students.
DAKAR: In Senegal, nursery schools have begun introducing English alongside the nation’s official language, French, as part of a new education initiative. At a school near central Dakar, five-year-olds enthusiastically responded to their teacher in English. Absa Ndiaye, their instructor, noted their excitement and eagerness to engage in conversations such as “how are you?” This innovative approach aims to enhance Senegal’s global connectivity amidst a youth demographic surge and a burgeoning oil and gas industry.
Over 600 classes across Senegal have initiated this English language program targeting nursery and primary school students since mid-January. Traditionally, English instruction was limited to public high schools and universities, while private institutions occasionally introduced it at the nursery level. With a desire to widen prospects for their citizens, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected on a nationalist platform in March, is reevaluating Senegal’s historical ties with France while maintaining essential partnerships.
The Education Ministry’s Aissatou Sarr Cisse expressed concern that despite seven years of English instruction, students struggle to communicate effectively. “We’re starting from a younger age so that they can improve their language skills,” indicated Cisse. The program aims to cultivate globally-minded individuals, as fluency in English may open doors to broader opportunities and improved collaboration with international partners.
In the pilot schools, English is taught twice a week, covering essential topics such as family, colors, greetings, and environmental themes. Mamadou Kama, a primary school teacher, remarked on his students’ motivation, with some requesting daily English lessons. Although many teachers await digital teaching resources, Kama was provided with technology to enhance instruction while awaiting the delivery of materials.
Acknowledging the investment in proficient English teachers, Cisse noted that these educators were selected through a rigorous application and training process. Educators such as Ousmane Sene, from the West African Research Center, see immense value in this initiative, emphasizing English’s significance in diplomacy and global discourse. However, he highlighted the necessity of properly training and equipping teachers to ensure success.
Critics of the program, such as former parliament member Samba Dioulde Thiam, raised concerns regarding the lack of qualified teachers. Thiam questioned the program’s intentions, ridicule the notion of competing with French or pleasing Anglo-Saxon influences. He also emphasized the historical demand for the integration of national languages into the educational curriculum, fearing this initiative might delay that goal.
Despite existing challenges, Mathiam Thiam noted that doctoral students have been enlisted as teachers. Former Education Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam suggested that a prior analysis of the existing English education framework might have been beneficial before the program’s launch. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Aissatou Barry expressed enthusiasm about studying English in sixth grade as she looks optimistically towards her future education endeavors.
The initiative to introduce English in Senegalese nursery schools marks a significant shift in educational strategy aimed at enhancing global connectivity. While supporters emphasize the opportunity for greater linguistic and cultural access, critics caution about the need for infrastructure and trained educators. The program is a response to the country’s evolving identity and ambitions as it navigates its position in the global landscape. It remains to be seen how effectively these changes will be implemented and sustained.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
