RWAMAGANA — A group of four members of Britain’s Conservative Party members are training primary teachers in Rwamagana District in English language. “It is very interesting to help people know a language. Most of them have a French background, which is an advantage when learning English. You know most of the English words come from French. When I am desperately trying to communicate, I use French,” Desmond Angus Swayne, the head of the group, told The New Times last week. Angus Swayne, 53, is a Member of Parliament representing New Forest West in Hampshire constituency, and is currently the Parliamentary Private Secretary to David Cameron the Conservative Party leader. He however, remarked that the varying levels of learners make teachers’ work more challenging. Some primary teachers are good at English while others are so poor. This kind of a situation makes it difficult for the teachers to cater for the two categories, especially when they are in one class, the volunteer tutors observed. The intensive English course is in line with government’s policy of using English as the language of instruction within education. It is has been noted that French speakers are quickly picking the English language. “I started learning English with zeal from the day they announced that it is going to be the language of instruction. You know you cannot teach in a language you have not mastered. I am thus pleased to see myself picking fast,” said Agatha Muhayimana, 30. Meanwhile, the teachers complained of poor services they get while attending the workshops. They are not given lunch, yet they travel so many kilometres away from their stations. “We are not served any meals. It is starvation. We have also been using our transport to attend this workshop. At the end of the day we will be given the equivalent of Rwf 1000,” Gertrude Mukamana, 28, complained in a separate interview. The ten -day workshop was sponsored by the volunteers. Ends
