By Sukhdev Chhatbar – The Arusha News Researcher/Journalist
QUESTION: Can you tell us about the origins of the Swahili Learning Centre (SLC)? What inspired its establishment and what gap did it aim to fill in the community?
ANSWER: The Swahili Learning Centre was established in 2023 with a vision to bridge the cultural and linguistic gap between Tanzanians and the world. We recognised the growing global interest in Swahili due to its status as a key language in East Africa and beyond. The Centre was designed to provide structured and immersive learning experiences, focusing not only on language but also on the rich cultural heritage that Swahili represents.
Q: How has the SLC contributed to promoting the Swahili language and Tanzanian culture among international students and local communities?
A: We have hosted students offering them not just language lessons but also cultural experiences, including traditional music, dance and cooking classes. Locally, we have collaborated with schools and community groups to promote Swahili as a unifying language and to celebrate its role in our national identity. This dual approach has helped position Swahili as both a global and local treasure.
Q: With the increasing interest in Swahili as a regional and international language, how does the Centre adapt its curriculum and teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of learners?
A: We have developed a flexible curriculum catering to different proficiency levels from beginners to advanced speakers. Our programmes integrate modern teaching technologies, such as online platforms and interactive apps, to accommodate learners who cannot attend in person. Additionally, we emphasise practical use of the language through field visits and real-life interactions, ensuring learners gain both confidence and fluency.
Q: What challenges have you faced in running the Centre and how have you overcome them to sustain and grow its impact?
A: One key challenge has been raising awareness of the importance of Swahili beyond East Africa. To address this, we are planning partnering with international universities and cultural institutions to promote the language. Another challenge is ensuring the financial sustainability of the Centre which we have addressed by diversifying our programmes, including offering corporate training and translation services.
Q: Can you share a success story or highlight from your time leading the Centre that showcases its impact on learners or the broader community?
A: A memorable success story is that of a student from Cameroon who joined us with no prior knowledge of Swahili. Within three months, he not only became fluent but also started a blog promoting Swahili culture and literature in his home country. Today, he is an ambassador for Swahili, inspiring many others to learn the language. Moments like these remind us of the far-reaching impact of our work.
Q: What are your future plans for the Centre in terms of expansion, partnerships or introducing new programmes to further its mission?
A: Our vision is to establish satellite campuses in other regions of Tanzania, East Africa and the wider continent to make Swahili learning more accessible. We also plan to launch an online Swahili certification programme to reach global audiences. Moreover, we aim to partner with regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) to promote Swahili as a tool for integration and economic development.
We are also looking forward to taking advantage of the government’s efforts to encourage public-private partnership for promotion of Swahili.
