CORE PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
At the Son & Oscar Foundation, we identified a critical gap in English language proficiency among primary school students - particularly in underserved public schools such as Manyata and Leganga Primary in Usa River Ward, Arusha.
In Tanzania, English becomes the official medium of instruction from secondary school onward. Yet, many children leave primary school without the foundational language skills they need to thrive. This gap not only hinders their transition into secondary education but also limits their long-term academic and career opportunities.
To address this challenge, we launched the English Language Programme in January 2023 with four key goals:
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Strengthen foundational English skills at the primary level.
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Ensure a smooth transition into secondary and higher education.
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Bridge educational inequalities by expanding access to quality language instruction.
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Empower students to unlock academic and professional opportunities that English proficiency can provide.
This initiative reflects our core mission: creating meaningful, sustainable impact through education. With the vision and full support of our founder, Mr. Son Cong Ta, we are committed to ensuring that every child - regardless of background - has the language tools to reach their full potential and build a brighter future.
English Language Programme Overview
Implemented by the Son & Oscar Foundation at Manyata Primary School since January 2023.
Since January 2023, the Son & Oscar Foundation has been running a high-quality English Language Programme at Manyata Primary School in Usa River Ward, Arusha. The programme is designed to strengthen English proficiency among primary school students by aligning closely with Tanzania’s national education standards, while also providing additional academic support and practical skill-building opportunities.
Curriculum and Alignment with Government Standards:
The programme is carefully structured to complement the English syllabus developed by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) for primary schools. It focuses on four key areas of language learning:
By aligning with government requirements, the programme ensures that students are well-prepared for national examinations and future academic transitions.
Course Outline and Teaching Methods
The course is structured progressively by class level, with clear learning outcomes for each stage. Teaching methods emphasize active learning and student engagement, including:
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Interactive classroom instruction
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Peer-to-peer speaking exercises
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Visual aids and storytelling
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Games and creative activities to build confidence
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Conversational practice with both international and local volunteers
Lessons are conducted weekly, combining theory and practice to encourage participation and develop oral fluency.
Assessment and Grading Criteria
Student progress is measured through:
Grades are based on comprehension, participation, writing, and speaking fluency, in alignment with national education standards. Feedback is shared with teachers and administrators to ensure consistency and track improvement.
Importance of English Proficiency
English is the official language of instruction in secondary school, high school, and higher education in Tanzania. Building a strong foundation at the primary level is therefore critical for long-term academic success.
By strengthening English skills early, this programme enables students to:
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Meet entry requirements for government and private secondary schools
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Compete confidently in national examinations
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Access a wider range of learning resources
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Unlock future educational, vocational, and global opportunities
Through this initiative, the Son & Oscar Foundation remains committed to bridging the language gap and empowering children with the skills they need to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.
Check out our program’s website for more information.