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A lively chorus of Senegalese five-year-olds greeted their teacher in English, a language newly introduced alongside French in their curriculum. At a nursery school near central Dakar, the children’s voices rose in unison as they eagerly repeated their morning lesson.
“They’re interested in the lesson, and they start a conversation with ‘how are you?’” teacher Absa Ndiaye told AFP.
Since mid-January, more than 600 classrooms in Senegal have been part of a pilot program integrating English into nursery and primary schools, an initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s global reach. With a rapidly growing young population and an increasing number of citizens seeking opportunities abroad, Senegal is also embracing its emergence as an oil and gas producer.
Senegal, a Francophonie nation, upholds French as the primary language in schools and government. However, students are also taught Arabic and the country’s native languages, maintaining a strong cultural and linguistic balance.
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Historically, English was taught in public schools only at the high school and university levels, though private institutions often introduced it earlier. Now, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—who came to power in March on a nationalist platform—Senegal is rethinking its close ties with France, advocating for a more self-reliant approach while maintaining diplomatic relations.
Senegal will remain “the steadfast and reliable ally” of all its foreign partners, Faye announced, emphasising his desire to widen Senegal’s prospects.
Despite seven years of teaching, “students can barely communicate properly in English”, lamented Aissatou Sarr Cisse, who is in charge of the education ministry’s English programme.
“We’re starting from a younger age so that they can improve their language skills.
“The aim is to shape people who are open to the world. Mastering English will give them access to opportunities and facilitate better collaboration with Senegal’s partners,” she said.
