The English Fluency Program Returns to SEGA this Fall!
Some people become teachers by obtaining education degrees. Others become teachers by just opening their hearts to enrich the lives of others. If you fall into either category AND want to add a life-changing, cultural experience to that accomplishment, then we invite you to join us for the return of our in-person, two-week long English Fluency Program this fall at the SEGA Girls’ School in Tanzania.
As in previous years, Pre-Form 1 students will participate in this program. With more than 120 tribal languages spoken in Tanzania, most students arrive learning English as a third language - after their tribal and Kiswahili languages. Kiswahili, the national language, is taught in Tanzanian primary schools. In secondary schools, instruction immediately switches to English. All classes from history to physics, are then taught in English which is a huge challenge for students.
Here is where you can help!
The English Fluency Program participants, primarily from the U.S., provide intensive English training. The English Fluency Program volunteers and SEGA’s English Department play key roles in coordinating the program. As a volunteer, you will be given an easy-to-follow, comprehensive curriculum. The best part? It’s fun! Volunteers are encouraged to share any special interests like playing chess, singing, drawing, cooking, or playing ukuleles.
There are optional side trips that include opportunities to hike the nearby Uluguru mountains and to see elephants, zebras, hippos, lions and more during a Safari at nearby Mikumi national park - Tanzania’s 4th largest!
Cultural Exchange Experience
Cultural exchange is part of the program’s goals. The 2019 English Fluency Program trip volunteers introduced Halloween by bringing costumes. The girls needed no encouragement to be creative! The overall cultural experience exceeds one’s expectations. Volunteers live on SEGA’s campus in the SEGA Lodge for two weeks - complete with mosquito nets and private bathrooms. When not in the lodge, they are immersed in the students’ lives.
This year’s trip will be led by Nurturing Minds board members Annie de Cossy Forsyth and Clarke Blynn and the travel dates are October 12-29, 2022, including travel.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting adventure of a lifetime, email myranda@nurturingmindsinafrica.org.
Blog written by Susan Schneider
