Kiswahili is definitely an asset
May 05, 2009
EDITOR—Your article, ‘Kiswahili teaching in schools’ published on April 29, was an intriguing piece. Permit me to make four points on the debate:
EDITOR—Your article, ‘Kiswahili teaching in schools’ published on April 29, was an intriguing piece. Permit me to make four points on the debate:
Most if not all of the major languages in the world have some negative aspects attached to them during their evolution. Therefore associating Kiswahili with some bad historical past need not disqualify its promotion in Uganda.
The decision to take on Kiswahili can only be made at individual and personal levels, by the youth, job seekers, entrepreneurs, parents and strategists looking for opportunities beyond their borders for sources of livelihood. It is noteworthy that most jobs require one to know at least a second language other than one’s mother tongue. Knowledge of Kiswahili could be that key component one needs to have that required competitive edge.
Whilst the Tanzanians crave to add knowledge of the English language to boost their CVs, Ugandans could also consider acquiring Kiswahili to maintain/improve their positions.
Thanks to the liberalisation policy which brought in the private players to provide services in the educational sector. Why don’t private citizens assess the possibility of promoting Kiswahili to meet the needs of some interest members?
This could be one gold mine awaiting exploitation.
Benedict Odongba
Nairobi
This could be one gold mine awaiting exploitation.
Benedict Odongba
Nairobi