This Tuesday, January 14, 2025, marks a decisive turning point in the Senegalese education system with the official launch of the teaching of English from preschool and elementary. This ambitious reform, announced by the Ministry of National Education in a publication on X (formerly Twitter), is part of a desire to modernize national education and prepare young generations for the challenges of a globalized world. The main objective is to provide Senegalese children with sound language skills from an early age. In the context of a global and demanding environment, in a world where the mastery of English is often a prerequisite for access to professional and academic opportunities, this reform places Senegal on the path to better integration into the global economy. In introducing English from pre-school, the government responds to the expectations of families, but also to the need to adopt international standards in educational programmes. In addition, educational resources adapted to the level of young children are being developed to ensure a fun and engaging introduction to the English language. This measure is part of a global strategy to transform the education system and raise the country to the rank of the most competitive nations in terms of human capital. The introduction of English from preschool is not just a simple evolution of the school curriculum; it represents an investment in the future of Senegalese children, offering them the keys to success in an interconnected and multilingual world.
L’anglais au préscolaire: a linguistic revolution in the education of the Senegalese
