PNUD Madagascar’s Post

✨If you don’t speak English in 2024, you’re essentially illiterate.✨ I recently had a lively debate with a friend of mine, where I made a bold claim: "If you don’t speak English nowadays, you’re essentially illiterate." While the statement might feel a bit extreme, it reflects a deeper reality, especially for us youths in Francophone Africa. Did you know that, English is the most widely spoken language globally, with approximately 1.27 billion speakers. Proficiency in English provides access to a vast network of international opportunities and resources. Studies have shown that English language proficiency significantly impacts employment prospects. For instance, in South Africa, a one-unit increase in English proficiency is associated with a 23-25 percentage point increase in the probability of employment and a 33% wage premium. Unfortunately, in Francophone West Africa, English is typically introduced at the middle school level in public schools, resulting in limited proficiency among the general population. From an early age, I recognized the transformative power of the English language. It unlocked doors I never imagined, from earning a prestigious Chevening Scholarship to participating in programs like the Obama Foundation Leaders Program. For me, English isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a bridge to breaking barriers, seizing new opportunities, and stepping confidently onto the global stage. Here’s the truth: 📚 If you’re pursuing international scholarships or jobs, English is often the minimum requirement. 💻 In tech, entrepreneurship or academia, the majority of resources and networks are English-based. 🤝 If you aim to collaborate or compete globally, mastering English isn’t optional—it’s essential. English has therefore become more than a language, it’s the key to unlocking global opportunities! It’s not about abandoning our own rich cultures and languages but equipping ourselves with tools to navigate a world that’s increasingly interconnected. But here’s the good news: it’s never too late. Whether you start with free online courses, practice with friends, or watch subtitled movies, every step forward matters. So, let me ask you: How has English (or the lack of it) shaped your personal or professional journey? #EnglishInAfrica #GlobalOpportunities #FrancophoneAfrica #LifelongLearning #SkillDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #DidYouKnow #Ndiarama

Preparing for our new group of refugees that will soon embark on their new journey into Dutch and English proficiency. We welcome you with open arms and share your excitement! At English Education Group, we believe in the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. That's why we are proud to announce our upcoming language proficiency program for refugees. In the face of adversity, these individuals have shown incredible resilience and determination. They have left their homes and everything they know behind, in search of a better life. And now, it's our turn to support them on their journey towards integration and empowerment. Our program will provide comprehensive language training in both Dutch and English, equipping our participants with the necessary skills to communicate, connect, and thrive in their new environment. We understand that language is not just a means of communication, but a gateway to education, employment, and a sense of belonging. But we can't do it alone. We are calling on individuals, organizations, and communities to join us in this endeavour. Whether you can contribute your time as a volunteer language tutor, offer resources to support the program, or simply spread the word, every act of kindness and support will make a difference. Together, we can break down language barriers, build bridges of understanding, and empower refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute to our society. Together, let's welcome our new group of refugees with open hearts and minds. If you're as excited as we are about this initiative, please like and share this post to help us spread the word. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. #Refugees #LanguageProficiency #Integration #Empowerment #CommunitySupport #EnglishEducationGroup #JobTalk

🌍 The Importance of Bilingual Education in Today's Globalized World 🌍 As a dedicated professional in the field of bilingual education, I am passionate about the critical role that mastering multiple languages plays in our increasingly interconnected world. This is especially true for countries like Saudi Arabia, where fostering proficiency in both Arabic and English can open countless doors for our children. 🔹 Cultural Preservation and Global Competence: Bilingual education allows our children to stay deeply connected to their cultural roots while also gaining the skills necessary to thrive on the global stage. By maintaining their native language, children retain a strong sense of identity and heritage. 🔹 Cognitive Benefits: Studies have shown that bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities, including improved problem-solving skills, creativity, and multitasking. These skills are invaluable in both academic and professional settings. 🔹 Economic Opportunities: Proficiency in multiple languages can significantly enhance career prospects. In Saudi Arabia, where the economy is rapidly diversifying, the ability to communicate effectively in both Arabic and English is becoming increasingly crucial. 🔹 Educational Advantages: Bilingual education programs equip students with the tools to excel in a variety of subjects. By understanding content in multiple languages, students gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the material. 🔹 Social Benefits: Being bilingual can help children build stronger social connections both within their community and internationally. It fosters empathy and a broader worldview, enabling them to navigate diverse environments with ease. In conclusion, investing in bilingual education is investing in the future of our children and our country. Let's work together to ensure that our kids are proficient in multiple languages, empowering them to become global citizens while staying true to their cultural heritage. #BilingualEducation #LanguageLearning #CulturalPreservation #GlobalCompetence #Education #SaudiArabia #FutureLeaders

🏆🇹🇳 #TUNISIA has the #highest_English_proficiency, ranking 63rd globally with a score of 496. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2024, among Arab countries ⁉️WHY is Tunisia ranking first? Based on reaseach the reasons come as follow: 👉🏻Strong Education System-Multilingual Culture-Global Connectivity-Focus on Quality Over Quantity-Government Initiatives ⚠️YET, one of the key factors here is #LINGUISTIC_FLEXIBILITY in which created by the interplay between Arabic and French plays a significant role in boosting English proficiency in Tunisia. Here’s how: ✅Cognitive Flexibility - Being fluent in both Arabic and French which are extremely different enhances cognitive flexibility, making it easier for Tunisians to learn additional languages, such as English especially in terms of performance. - Switching between languages also strengthens the brain’s ability to process and understand multiple linguistic structures. ✅Multilingual Environment - The constant exposure to multiple languages creates a more adaptable approach to language learning. Tunisians are often accustomed to switching between Arabic, French, and English, which encourages greater fluency in each. 💡The combination of Arabic’s rich vocabulary and French’s structural similarities to English likely provides a significant advantage in acquiring English. #Tunisia #learnenglish #speakenglish

Language is not a test of one’s competence. 🌐 Recently, I've been immersing myself in French learning and even engaged in conversations, albeit with some difficulty. Yesterday, I joined an online workshop with peers from Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, where I was the sole anglophone amidst students and aspiring HR professionals. Despite my HR expertise and communication skills, expressing my thoughts was a challenge. It made me reflect on how often we underestimate individuals due to language proficiency. 🤔 This experience reinforced the idea that language fluency shouldn't overshadow one's actual abilities when evaluating competencies. It was a valuable reminder that true skills go beyond linguistic capabilities. Let's strive to appreciate diverse talents and strengths beyond language barriers. 🌍 #Diversity #Competencies #LanguageSkills

This study investigates the linguistic needs of Senegalese companies with a specific emphasis on English. Recognizing the increasing globalization of business and the specific multilingual context of Senegal, the research aims to understand the role of these languages in corporate communication, operational efficiency, and overall business success. These skills benefit Senegalese on their professionals careers, Studying business English allows Senegalese to develop English language skills that are useful in an office or other business environments. By understanding the communication skills needed in the workplace, they can gain the confidence to build strong relationships with their colleagues and clients. By studying Business English they can improve their overall English language ability while targeting areas that will help them achieve their goals at work. These could be anything from starting on their careers path, looking for a promotion, pushing for a pay rise or simply feeling more confident in their roles.

Duolingo English Test is now the most affordable and friendlier English language test option recognized by many institutions. You don’t have to travel to a center to do it. You just have to prepare the following at your convenience to do the test, and earn for yourself a certified English Language Certificate: - laptop - stable internet connection - quiet place The cost is as low as $65. Duolingo English Test has partnered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to annually support about 25 talented refugee students to access university education in different prestigious universities across the world. Through this program, the selected students are given opportunity to do the DET test and earn their certified English language, plus many other supports provided to them. This certificate increases students chances of getting admitted to their universities of choices. This program will reinforce the UNHCR’s #15by30 agenda, which aims to increase refugee enrollment in higher education to 15% by 2030. The enrollment level which is still too low at 7% requires commitment by #governments, #NGOs, and #universities to open doors to including refugees to their different education initiatives. Education is the most powerful tool through which everyone can contribute to and in development agenda. #Refugees must not be left behind.

More than 130 million Africans speak English. English is an official or secondary language in half of all African countries. According to a report from Education First, South Africa has the 9th highest English language proficiency in the world. It's categorized as "very high proficiency" alongside countries like the Netherlands and Singapore. Africa's English proficiency isn't just a statistic. It's a gateway to untapped potential for global businesses.

EU+MAP Project Update  The initial piloting sessions that ACP commenced in January for the @EU+Map Project brought together a diverse group of students hailing from Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Somalia, Palestine, Syria, and Pakistan. The atmosphere was productive as we delved into discussions on positive experiences, shared journeys, and aspirations. Through tailored approaches and interactive activities like geographical exploration, cultural exchange, and individual interviews, we're fostering camaraderie and empowering our students to express themselves confidently.  Meanwhile, our partners in Sweden, SwIdeas, have been making strides in digital upskilling and training for language teachers. Recently, they organized two sessions focusing on methods and digital tools that promote positive learning environments for migrants learning Swedish. This initiative is a testament to our collective commitment to innovative education practices that cater to the diverse needs of our students.  As part of the Eu+Map Project, Active Citizens Partnership (ACP) has been diligently piloting lessons in Greece. These lessons aim to provide unaccompanied minor asylum seekers with a supportive and engaging learning environment. The Eu+Map project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, seeks to offer individuals with a migrant background, at risk of social exclusion, the opportunity to participate in language courses supported by a pedagogical curriculum tailored to their sociological learning needs. Led by Iberika in Germany, the project includes partners such as Pistes Solidaires from France, CESIE from Italy, SwIdeas from Sweden, Clavis from Denmark, EHU from Spain, and ACP from Greece. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey of empowerment and education!   #EuMapProject #Empowerment #InclusiveEducation #DigitalSkills #LanguageLearning

📢 CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS | Afrolinguals Magazine – Kabod Group Afrolinguals Magazine is calling for submissions for its next issue on ”𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮." We invite #researchers, #educators, #entrepreneurs, #language professionals etc. to share their insights on the following topics but not limited to: •⁠ ⁠Language learning technologies in Africa •⁠ ⁠Multilingualism’s impact on education •⁠ ⁠Challenges in language education across Africa •⁠ ⁠Globalization’s influence on language learning etc. 📄 Submission Guidelines: -Articles: 1,000-1,500 words -Include a short bio and photo -Submit to: languages@kabodgroup.com and elongue@kabodgroup.com For questions, feel free to email us. 👉🏽 Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/e68gS82Z #languagelearning #africa #education #Afrolinguals #KabodGroup #magazine