KIE launches English proficiency program

KARONGI - Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), Friday,initiated an English proficiency program in Karongi District where public servants will be able to enrol for an English course in order to improve their language. At a colourful ceremony which attracted hundreds of residents at a Teacher Training College (TTC) in Rubengera Sector, it was visibly clear that it had always been a much awaited opportunity. A tutor at KIE conducted a 30 minute English lesson and despite the many grammatical errors, the students exhibited zeal and confidence by attempting allquestions. The program involves three sections, each comprising 120days of training. While officiating at the launch of the program, KIE’s Vice Rector in charge of academic affairs, Dr James Vuningoma, urged the general public to also takeadvantage. “It’s a program aimed at helping public servants improve their knowledge of English,but the general public is always welcome. We look forward to having all Rwandans being able to speak English.” He pointed out the already existing distance learning program at the institution as a contributing factor to the success of the English proficiency program. Vuningoma revealed that that each student is expected to pay Rwf 80,000 for each term of 12weeks. “The 3 classes are beginners, intermediate and advanced. To move from one level to another, the student should have more than 80% attendance,” he said. One of the students, Tassien Munyaneza who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) at the district, said that the programcould never have come at a better time. “Due to the ongoing transformation towards modern age, there is need for one to be able to communicate in English and this opportunity has come at a time we needed it most,” he said. Ends