US Embassy Sponsors English Language Teaching Workshop in the North of Mali

RELO Ruth Petzold Leads Engages Malian Teachers of English

From February 5 – 9, Regional English Language Officer Ruth Petzold facilitated a workshop for 56 Malian teachers of English from the northern regions of Gao and Kidal.  The rapt audience not only benefited from practical sessions such as ways to teach with limited resources and getting the most out of large classes, but also witnessed first hand the American way of teaching and engaging class room participation.  For many in the audience, this was the first time they had ever met an American or been exposed to creative ways of learning and teaching English.  In her remarks at the opening of the workshop, the Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Syptak underlined the importance that English plays as a bridge between cultures and nations.  Since 1987, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako has sponsored an annual English language teaching workshop for Malian teachers of English with the collaboration of the Inspectorate of English of the Ministry of National Education and the Regional English Language Officer (RELO) from Dakar.

The English language is the most widely taught foreign language in the world, chosen most often as the first foreign language of study. While the position of English in international business, as well as in science and technology, makes it a global language, there is a great need and demand for improving the training of English teachers from governments worldwide. By assisting teacher training programs overseas, the US Government can help foster an English competent world in which U.S. universities, businesses and other organizations can flourish and advance American interests. (more)