MOSES GAHIGI delves into the world of language learning centres

Moving around Kigali, one easily notices signposts advertising a language training centres. In a way, this is a form of entrepreneurship where some are already cashing in on the need to learn a new language. With the introduction of English as the medium of instruction in schools, the need to learn the language has grown.

The language learning centres imply that Rwandans are swiftly and proactively grabbing the nearest business opportunity, and also that, they are upfront in adopting and promoting cultures and trends that will make the country achieve higher levels of development.

However, not all proprietors of the language learning centres are driven by the desire to make a fortune out of this necessary undertaking. Some have been propelled to establish these centres out of sheer solidarity and a desire to have a positive impact on the Rwandan society.

The cabinet in September this year, passed a proposal favouring the change of the country’s official language of instruction from French to English effective January 2009. This has led to the increase in the number of English language training centres.  

When he was starting in January 2008, Andrew Mugabo, the proprietor of Kigali English center located in Giporoso along Kabeza road, did not anticipate that the government would one day come up with a policy of having English as the language of instruction in schools.

Mugabo was inspired by a long time passion for the language. He started the centre with barely a dozen trainees with himself as the sole trainer.

Among other mushrooming learning centres is an East African language franchise in the name of the East African Language Learning Centres which has started its operation in Kigali and many other parts of the country.

According to Fred Bahati, the Director, the centres teach the major languages spoken in East Africa and also provide consultancy services on school curriculum.

"There is a need to harmonise the school curriculum in Rwanda to fit in with the other EAC member states. Francophone teachers too need to undergo intense training in the English language so as to maintain their teaching professions,” Bahati explains.

In this regard, he added that Language Learning Centres have been setup around the country. 40 centres have been established, 60 more are to be in place by the end of this year and by 2010, a network of centres will be established within the East African region.

The centres are expected to be a bridge that will ease communication and curriculum problems in the East African Community (EAC).

In order to successfully and meaningfully train both students and adult learners in languages, an approach of a learner-cantered curriculum has been employed, there by promoting autonomy and pragmatism in usage leading to a positive impact.

In language training, many teachers from other East African countries have been brought in.

Narcisse Musabeyezu, the Inspector of Schools in Rwanda underscored the importance of using qualified teachers who will improve the education system in Rwanda.

"Joining the East African Community has made learning English vital. There is need for genuine qualified teachers who are ready to teach and not exploit the public’s need for the English language,” Musabeyezu said. 

As a way of being practical and focusing on learner-centred teaching methods, equipment like computers programmed with modern software are used at the different levels of teaching. At the same time, television sets, DVD’s, projectors and radios are used hand in hand with text books.

It has been discovered that with in a month of these trainings, pupils are able to speak a new language with correct word pronunciations and accents as well as construct correctly spelled words and sentences.

By blending practicals with theories, the language centres will rescue Rwanda’s school curriculum by improving communication.

For effectiveness, the curriculum usually includes practice sessions alongside theories. Experts point out that Language, Science and Fine Art laboratories should be built in all Rwandan schools as a practical way of improving the curriculum and creativity of all learners. 

As Rwanda integrates into the regional bloc, forming a uniform educational system is necessary. This will create a balance in the school curriculum hence achieving a higher educational standard.

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