Aim
- To empower women by teaching English to better enhance employment opportunities
- To better enable them to help their children with English
- To create a setting where women can meet and form friendships
Rationale
- English is one of the official languages of Uganda
- Many businesses and schools operate through English
- English is often used as the common language between different tribes
- P4 to P7 is taught through English, as well as the national exam, and therefore women can help their children with homework and study
- Women rarely have the opportunity to meet socially as they have many household duties. Classes will provide an avenue to meet and share experiences.
Actions
- Provide English classes which adhere to levels of English and literacy
- Procure volunteers who have experience in teaching English who will stay for a minimum of 3 months
- Teach 2 classes a day, 5 days a week for a minimum of 3 months
- Class size to be maximum 10 women per class
Timescale
- 3 month classes as volunteers come to teach, ideally classes would be continuous throughout the year
Evaluation
- 2 classes have taken place per day, 5 days a week for 3 months
- 100 women have been taught basic English
- Women have the ability to converse using basic English
- 2nd course currently in progress
Estimation of annual cost for the TEFL Project
(Please note that pound figures are rounded and are based on an exchange rate of 3,300Ush)
| Item |
Ugandan Shillings |
Pounds |
| Administration |
150,000 |
£46.00 |
| Total |
150,000 |
£46.00 |
Project Update
Our TEFL teacher, Jenny, left in the middle of September but was soon replaced by the lovely Tori who will be here in Uganda until April. When Jenny left she gave us this update:
Just the Facts: English Lessons for the Women of Kyabirwa and Bujagali
At first enrolment, a total of 10 women wanted to learn English
By the end of the first week’s lessons, a total of 42 women aged between 17 and 50+ were eager to learn English
Three groups: Beginners (L1), Upper Beginners (L2) and Intermediate (L3) were set up at Kyabirwa Pre-School, four afternoons a week
Each class consisted of two or three one hour lessons each week for each learner over four months
There was almost perfect attendance by every learner and perfect timekeeping by every learner - no African time here!
After four months 42 women were still eager to learn English; were confident to speak English words; were keen to join in all lesson activities and to have fun!
40 of 42 women successful passed a test at relevant level
13 women at Beginner level speaking and understanding English words
13 women at Upper Beginner level speaking and understanding English words and sentences
16 women at Intermediate level reading Ugandan folk stories, writing and reading their own stories and speaking English confidently and calling themselves “The Amazing Women Group”
And finally, 1 happy and proud teacher and 42 happy and confident women
Attendance continues to be hugely successful, helped with the introduction of an initial payment prior to commencing classes. If attendance is consistent and successful the participants will not be required to pay for the following month. Ensuring the gender division of classes meant the women have been more at ease and has promoted greater participation. Initial shyness has been overcome and participation levels are high. There is a good sense of togetherness and enjoyment within the groups.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are constantly looking for trained TEFL teachers to teach here in Uganda. We ask for a minimum of 3 months commitment. If you are interested please email volunteering@softpowereducation.com.