Teaching English As a Foreign Language Abroad - Rwanda

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by: TEFL
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Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 Time: 5:16 AM
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Rwanda hasn't had the easiest of times over the last 20 years or so. Since the genocide in 1994 that attracted worldwide front-page coverage and international condemnation as well as much criticised governmental inertia, not a great deal has been heard from the country. But that's not to say that Rwanda hasn't been busy planning its future and looking at ways to offer its people a happier more prosperous future.

Part of that planning has involved the setting up of a new project that will radically overhaul the nation's language teaching. It forms the basis of a far-reaching policy that will see the teaching of English as its second language in all Rwandan schools. Seen by many as an attempt to break away from its French colonial past, Rwanda is following in the footsteps of neighbouring countries Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania who already use English as a second language. The hope is that by using English, commercial and cultural ties with neighbouring countries will be strengthened and that Rwanda can also to give itself a competitive lift on the international stage.

The new initiative is a continuation of the ongoing efforts by the authorities to introduce English as an L2 across higher education and throughout Government. Already, entrance to the Institute of Science and Technology is in English and although more comfortable speaking French, increasing numbers of government officials are now starting to use English.

With the reforms due to begin in the very near future there are dangers however, that the lack of training available to Rwanda's primary teachers may undermine its effectiveness. With less than 10% of primary school teachers having received English training and only 5% of secondary school teachers having had even basic training, the danger is that the scheme may collapse even before it can properly begin. All for the lack of teachers qualified to teach English in Rwanda.

What Rwanda needs is qualified ESL teachers - and it needs them fast.

Already neighbouring countries with spare English teaching capacity have stepped in to help by sending teachers and the British Council have also sent TEFL teachers to the region in order to try and help close the language teaching gap. Perhaps more than anything though the country would benefit from independent English language teachers choosing to take a closer look at what Rwanda has to offer and opt to take up teaching jobs in Rwanda.

Rwanda might not seem like an obvious choice and with the country's well-documented difficulties still fresh in the minds of many, TEFL in Rwanda might not be top of many people's EFL teaching plans. It would be a shame though to overlook the country on the grounds of its past and to not experience its positive and vibrant present or its ambitious future. Rwanda certainly has a great deal to offer, the chance to develop new skills, experience new and exciting environments as well as discovering and enjoying African and in particular Rwandan culture.

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad then think about teaching in Rwanda - it might be just what you're looking for.

About the Author

Chris Soames - Online TEFL courses with over 20,000 course graduates each year, international accreditation and certification recognised by schools worldwide.

To Teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you're a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

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