Emmanuel Tuyishimere’s journey with English as a transformative tool epitomises the profound impact of education, opportunity, and commitment. Inspired by his father’s teaching at the primary level, Emmanuel nurtured a deep-seated ambition to follow in his footsteps, captivated by the enriching experience he observed. His aspirations came to fruition when he secured a government scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Education, eventually embarking on a career as a teacher.
His professional odyssey commenced at a pivotal juncture when Rwanda transitioned to adopt English as its official communication language, replacing French. This marked a momentous shift, with Emmanuel playing a pivotal role in facilitating this transition.
This was made possible through his involvement in the Building Learning Foundation (BLF) Project, spearheaded by the British Council. Serving as a School Based Mentor (SBM), Emmanuel underwent training in English proficiency, subsequently imparting this knowledge to fellow teachers within his school, who, in turn, passed it on to their students. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Emmanuel recalls, “The BLF Programme introduced innovative teaching techniques that have become integral to our practice as teachers, resulting in empowered educators and transformed students. This new approach has not only led the students and teachers alike in embracing the English language but has also seen an overall improvement in academic performance.”
In 2023, Emmanuel seized another opportunity for professional development with the Secondary Teachers English Language Improvement Rwanda (STELIR). Building upon the foundation laid by the BLF Programme, STELIR aimed to enhance English proficiency among secondary school teachers. Through his involvement, Emmanuel guided teachers accustomed to French and Kinyarwanda in navigating the intricacies of the English language, instilling confidence in both educators and students alike.
Emmanuel perceives English not merely as a language but as a gateway to the global stage, unlocking new opportunities and experiences. As an SBM, he remains steadfast in advocating for the widespread adoption of English within Rwanda’s education system. Emmanuel has aspirations of furthering his own education abroad, inspired by the myriad possibilities illuminated by his engagement with British Council programmes.