Ecole Emmanuel is closed for the summer due to the intense heat in the country. However, both the teachers and community are looking forward to the official grand reopening at the new location in Ali Sabieh this coming September.
During the summer months the teachers are busy preparing for the next year, gathering materials and reflecting on how best to teach the potential students starting in autumn /the fall.
At the beginning of every school year, there is a testing and registration period in which the teachers assess which class the new students need to go into and what level of English needs to be taught. At the end of the diagnostic tests, the teachers ask the prospective students why they want to learn English. The question allows the teachers to check the writing level of the students as well as get an idea of why the students want to study and who the students are. The answers vary every year but generally fall into four main categories.
Why learn English?
First: trade.
Djibouti is located at the interface between Africa and the Middle East. It is located at the juncture of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean so that means that it is at a highly strategic point for trade around the world. Djibouti has a number of major ports and from there roads and railways connect to countries in the interior of Africa. Speaking English is therefore a very valuable skill for workers at the port as they interact with international business people. It is also helpful when trading with Ethiopia and the rest of Eastern Africa, who do not have the same history and knowledge of French as exists in Djibouti.
Second: other job opportunities.
Outside of working at the port, there are many jobs that need English. Knowing English is essential, for example, in obtaining employment with an NGO or to work at an embassy. In addition, Djibouti has an active tourism sector so English is helpful to communicate with visitors from non-French speaking nations. Skill in translating documents as well as speeches and conversation is in demand.
Third: education.
Many students have a desire for higher education but advancement will be limited without a good grasp of the English language. One of the major Djibouti universities teaches in English and those who hope to travel abroad for further education after completing their baccalaureates will undoubtedly find that having English is essential for success and progress in those classes.
Fourth and finally: fun.
Many students say they enjoy learning and speaking English. And that makes teaching English so much more fun for the teachers too! It is an adventure for all involved when students are ready and eager to engage and tackle whatever topic is brought up in conversation classes.
Ecole Emmanuel is counting down the days until the doors open again for grammar and conversational English classes. Only a little over two months to go!
Kerith Trust 