The End of an Era

As indicated in a previous posting, the work of Emmanuel English Language Centre is changing. We have rented premises in the Einguella district of Djibouti City since 1976, first on one side and then on the other. The work has waxed and waned over the years; at its peak well over 200 students were enrolled at four levels, and classes were held on the premises of a local employer as well as in the Language Centre. But although the reputation of EELC has remained high, the number of volunteer teachers has diminished and the number of other English-teaching establishments has increased – two competing commercial enterprises are within 500 metres and are housed in a more visible and prestigious building. There are other NGOs in the field also.

The two final groups of students, following more flexible courses than the traditional ones, took their exams in the last week of December, and we are pleased to say that all of them passed.

The month of January has been taken up with checking and packing the Library, the stock of text and other books, and the teaching resources and equipment; and in the last few days all of this plus the fitments and furniture have been removed. Some are being used to equip a new “Oasis” Centre in Balbala, a vast residential area adjacent to the city that has grown rapidly in recent years. This will be run on similar lines to the existing Oasis Centre in Tadjoura, focussing on children and families. The rest is being stored pending the establishment of a new Emmanuel English Learning Centre for adults in Ali Sabieh, the country’s second largest settlement. In this way we aim to provide a service in areas where others don’t.

So as one era closes, another one dawns; wisdom is needed in decision-making and as we seek to establish and develop new relationships and ways of working.