Transforming Lives through the English Fluency Program

This blog was written by Nurturing Minds Board Chair, Annie Forsyth.

Annie (back row, right) with her teaching partner Ron (front row, right) and English Fluency Program students at Mikumi National Park.

In 2017 I traveled to the SEGA Girls’ School for the first time. I was encouraged to participate in the English Fluency Program by several fellow Board members and I jumped at the opportunity. I had been eager to go and visit SEGA to see firsthand how our school operated and meet our SEGA partners and students, but I wanted a purpose, not just a visit.

The program started in 2015 by founding Board member Sherley Young who I had gotten to know and come to admire while serving on the Board together. She and two friends, Brooke McInnes and Charry Burr, had seen the need to help orient the Pre-Form students to our English-speaking school and developed the first curriculum for the program. In Tanzania, primary school is taught in Kiswahili so the vast majority of our rising Form 1 students have not spoken much English and could be characterized as “deer in the headlights” as they attempt to settle into their new life at SEGA. During the first 4 months when the Pre-Form girls arrive for orientation, typically from September through December, SEGA provides dedicated English as a second language (ESL) instruction and acclimation to their new boarding school. And every year, except for 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, Nurturing Minds recruits up to 20 volunteers to go to SEGA to support this effort.

The program runs for two weeks during which the volunteers who apply and sign up for the program live on campus in SEGA’s Lodge. Mornings are spent in class and afternoons are earmarked for activities including music, drama, cultural exchange programs, sports, board games, and arts or crafts projects. The overarching goal is to engage the students in meaningful connections with native English-speaking volunteers through teaching, activities, and mentorship to give them the confidence to use their voices and overcome the fear of being in a completely new setting with little preparation.

Annie (center) with a group of SEGA Form 3 students.

Then the magic happens. One-on-one bonds and friendships are quickly established. Our students are a courageous lot and while the majority have faced personal challenges and hardships we can only imagine, their hearts are open, and their curiosity is palpable. Good morning class hugs and singing are the order of the day and learning takes place at a lightning fast pace. After 3 separate trips, the last of which was this past October as a co-leader with fellow Board member and friend Clarke Blynn, I am always stunned by the transformation that takes place in the girls from the first week to the second. 

There is nothing that makes my heart sing more than watching these girls rise to the test -seeing them reading and speaking in English in front of the class and oh my goodness, when the music starts, you can’t help but jump into the line dance and laugh out loud. For those alum English Fluency Program volunteers, I know you understand what my words are trying insufficiently to convey and are probably smiling from ear to ear as you read my little story. 

We also include in the program several field trips for the volunteers and students, including the ever-favorite trip to Mikumi National Park and a hike to the Choma Waterfall in the Uluguru Mountains. For many of the girls, this is the first time seeing a lion in the wild or swimming, let alone that it’s underneath a huge waterfall. Both trips provide great opportunities for targeted instruction and learning about animals, geography, geology, the environment, and careers in related fields.

Originally complete strangers are in a matter of two weeks kindred spirits and lasting friendships are cherished by both students and volunteers. In fact, many of the volunteers who have participated in the program return like me and many, myself included, have become core supporters of our Scholarship Program which provides close to 20% of funds needed annually to support SEGA. 

There is no requirement for our volunteers to have taught school, ESL, or had any professional training. The main requirement is a love of learning, making new friends, and a keen interest and appreciation for the cultural exchange that is embedded in the program’s goals.

I hope you will reach out to our Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Myranda James, at myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org to learn more about our English Fluency Program as well as our newly launched STEM Adventures at SEGA Program. In addition to these two volunteer opportunities, we welcome groups to visit SEGA and can provide customized cultural exchange travel experiences for you, your family, school group, church, alumni group, or any other group you know and can vet.

I hope to see you there!