The British Council has announced a significant milestone in its educational support for sub-Saharan Africa, revealing that it provides free professional development resources to over one million English teachers across the region every year. This initiative aims to equip educators with the skills needed to compete effectively on the global stage.
Major Announcement at Abuja Conference
This revelation was made by Mr. Julian Perry, the Director of English Programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa, during the ongoing Language in Education International Conference 2025 in Abuja. The event has drawn numerous stakeholders from the education sector and beyond.
According to Perry, the British Council facilitates this massive outreach through its digital platforms. "Across sub-Saharan Africa, each year over a million English teachers access our learning materials through our global and regional Africa websites to download free resources, take free professional development courses, join webinars and groups, and be part of a global discussion where they share and learn about good teaching practices," he stated.
Bridging Gaps Through Language
Emphasizing the conference's core mission, Perry highlighted that language serves as more than just a communication tool. "At the heart of this dialogue is a shared belief. Language is not just a tool for communication, but it’s a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity," he explained. He noted that in many parts of the world, language remains a significant barrier, and the conference aims to share evidence and successes to foster mutual learning.
Clarifying the organization's role, Perry stated that the British Council is not an advocacy or policy-making body. Instead, it acts as a trusted partner to governments and institutions, helping them achieve their education goals by leveraging international evidence and insights from over 100 countries.
Regional Projects and Inclusive Education
Donna McGowan, the Country Director for Nigeria, elaborated on the Council's commitment to inclusive education. She affirmed that their work ensures every learner, regardless of language background, has an equal opportunity to thrive.
McGowan provided specific examples of projects in sub-Saharan Africa:
- In Rwanda: A partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and the Rwanda Basic Education Board is improving the English-language proficiency of STEM teachers. This enables them to deliver science and mathematics curricula more effectively in English, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes for students.
- In Uganda: The Council collaborates with Winkle International on the "Language for Resilience" project. This initiative focuses on using language to support the integration of refugees into host communities and promote their success within the education system by training school leaders, teachers, and community leaders.
The conference's theme, "Language, Education and Inclusion, Empowering Every Learner," underscores the critical role language plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
