Integrating English into nursery and primary education in Senegal is a great step forward. This change comes from a country that was once colonized by the French. French remains the main language in public schools. Arabic is also taught. Wolof, the most used of Senegal’s six national languages, is increasingly heard in classrooms. Until now, public high schools and universities taught English, except for a handful of private schools that offered it earlier on. This move is in line with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s plan to widen Senegal’s entry onto the global stage. Elected in March, Faye aims to change Senegal’s ties with colonial France. He wants to maintain strong relationships with other foreign partners. He pointed out that Senegal would be “a friend and a dependable ally” with a mission to provide opportunities for youth. It is as oil and gas production winds up that Senegal is to lay the groundwork of a developing country caught with a youth bulge and heavy emigration moves.
Opening Doors to the World
Aissatou Sarr Cisse, the head of the English section of the Ministry of Education, stated that there is a need to introduce English language training at the earliest age. For those students who have spent seven years learning English in high school, communicating is still a challenge. “We’re starting early to put them on a better footing,” she remarked. “The goal is to make them global citizens. Mastering English will certainly provide them with access and work with Senegal’s international partners.” At the pilot schools, English classes take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Nursery school pupils have two 25-minute lessons, while primary students have two 30-minute lessons. The curriculum covers basic vocabulary, including relationships, colors, greetings, general environment, and weather.
Engaged students, resource deficits
Mamadou Kama, an English teacher in a primary school in Dakar’s Medina neighborhood, described the enthusiasm of his 60 students, with some even asking for all-English lessons. Resource shortages, including textbooks and other study materials, pose a major challenge. The Ministry has promised to provide them with digital resources, but many teachers are still waiting. But Kama has already received tablets, video projectors, and USB sticks from his school. He conceded the slow pace when he said, “There hasn’t been time to put together handbooks.
We ordered the computers, but for now, we are using printed materials with colorful illustrations. The Ministry is also hiring teachers who are fluent in English to keep the program going.
Mixed Reactions and Conditions for Success Education experts such as Ousmane Sene, director of the Dakar-based West African Research Centre, praised the scheme. “English serves as a common language. It’s vital for diplomacy, global cooperation, and accessing scientific knowledge,” he said to AFP. Mathiam Thiam, his colleague, commented, “If Senegal fails to adopt this global standard, it risks being left behind.” Most people agree that a successful job relies on dedicated, well-trained, and well-resourced teachers. Samba Dioulde Thiam, a retired teacher and ex-MP, expressed deep disappointment, calling the project a “pipe dream” without qualified teachers available. He questioned if the program aims to compete with the French “or if this is to appease Western countries for help?” Senegal has chosen to advance in teaching English. This step aims to prepare its youth for a future filled with opportunities. Partnerships outside of Senegal are waiting for them.
