Last week Cabinet passed a resolution that all government workers were to start learning English for the sake of the regional Economic Integration. CHARLES KWIZERA collected your views on the move. “It is good for us to learn English not only on the regional level but also on the International level because English is used so much internationally.” Ruth Mugorewera, teacher “There is no way we are going to have a successful economic integration if we are using different languages. It should be one language for the smooth running of the business in East Africa and that language is English.” Ronald Gakwerere, trader “The cabinet according to me delayed to pass this law because this French thing has been slowing things. So I think this is a good move altogether.” Patrick Gatete, salesperson “It sounds like a good idea but then this thing should not be hurried because changing a system to is not something you can just do overnight. So there should be procedures to be taken in order for the thing to be successful.” Lambert Nduwayezu, teacher “I think for this thing to be successful, the National Curriculum for schools should be changed at once so that it can start with the school children. Otherwise the whole idea is good.” John Mugabo, manager “This move by the Cabinet was brilliant, I think there is no way you can communicate with you neighbours with a language barrier like this one we are having. I believe this move is going to contribute to our economic growth.” Lydia Uwera, receptionist “I am very happy the cabinet cited this problem and passed this resolution because it has been bothering us business people in our day today activities. I think we are going to see relief as concerns this matter.” Mary Umutoni, businesswoman “I know it is not going to be very easy for the system to change immediately but at least this step is a good one and I believe in our government for many more useful resolutions to come.” Justin Karemera, accountant If the system changes to Anglophone, I am sure the French speaking people who are old like me are going to suffer. I can’t go back to school to learn English at this age, but then if it is going to steer development, we cannot object. Edward Karasanyi, retired “I think the cabinet is doing this so abrupt because they should remember that this is a whole system that they have to change. So they should be some how cautious in doing this thing because it is even sensitive.” Christian Mbarushyimana, mechanic “I don’t have any problem with the changing of the language in government offices as long as it is done for development purposes. It is even a thumbs up for our government for being able to utilize every chance that comes their way to see our country develop.”George Mugwiza, electrician
