U.S. supports English Language Education in Tanzania

RELO Millar led teacher professional development trainings in Kigoma. RELO Millar led teacher professional development trainings in Unguja. RELO Millar in Pemba.

DAR ES SALAAM — Regional English Language Officer (RELO) Diane Millar, who oversees U.S. Department of State English language programs and teacher professional development programs for 15 East African countries, visited Tanzania May 5-15, 2022. During her visit, she met with government, education, and teachers’ association leaders, opened new programs, and conducted teacher professional development workshops as well as exploring the impact of U.S. programs in the country.

                                           

In Kigoma, Dodoma, and Pemba, RELO Millar opened new English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) programs which will run through 2024.  The Access program strengthens English language skills for underprivileged teenagers, while also empowering them with leadership skills and a sense of civic responsibility. Graduates often become leaders in their schools, score better on exams, secure better educational prospects, and not only find better jobs but also create jobs in their communities!  Participants are more competitive for future exchanges and study in the United States and gain access to many U.S. exchange alumni opportunities.  In Tanzania, previous Access programs include Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Unguja, Pemba, Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya, and Lindi with more than 500 Access alumni.

 

RELO Millar also met with Tanzania English Language Association (TELTA) and Zanzibar Professional English Language Teaching Organization (ZAPELATO) leaders and teachers, working with them to organize and conduct professional development workshops for teachers in Kigoma, Dodoma, Unguja, and Pemba and sharing information about the many free resources and programs for teachers.

 

While in Dar es Salaam, she met with graduates of the Kinful program, a U.S. Embassy and RELO-funded initiative to improve social-emotional learning, digital literacy, critical thinking, leadership, and English language skills for secondary students in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Mtwara. The alumni shared how the program helped make them better students, more responsible and self-motivated, confident leaders, and more empathetic. They also shared how the program improved their English skills, especially speaking and listening.

 

During her visit, she also met with Ministry officials and university leaders in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar to share information about U.S. programs and to explore areas for collaboration and support, especially for teacher professional development and training.