African Leaders Take Charge

TESOL International Association and Africa English Language Teachers Association (Africa ELTA) organized a 4-week blended learning experience for 57 English language teaching (ELT) professionals from 24 African nations. The project aimed to increase participants’ leadership skills and to grow their ability to support and influence ELT communities of practice in their regions. 

Participating in the TESOL leadership training was a pivotal step in my professional development. Among other modules, the training’s focus on SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats] analysis was instrumental, sharpening our strategic approach at [Uganda National English Language Teachers' Association]. This knowledge will be vital in steering our activities with precision. As an ELT professional who benefited from the training, I am inspired to lead with the conviction that exemplary leadership catalyzes excellence and ignites the potential within others.

–Christopher Liberty, Uganda National English Language Teachers' Association (UNELTA)

The program consisted of 12 online learning modules followed by a daylong in-person training session at the start of the eighth annual Africa ELTA conference, held in Cairo, Egypt. Participants who completed this program will use these new skills to strengthen their local ELT communities. 

Africa ELTA–TESOL International Association: Leadership Training Program

Rooted in other leadership training workshops TESOL has facilitated around the world during the past 10 years, this program pulled together the expertise of TESOL and Africa ELTA to deliver content suitable for the context. Ten facilitators from seven different countries presented on topics ranging from program development to advocacy and from women’s empowerment to brand awareness. 

Amplifying nascent leadership skills was just the starting point of this amazing program; it was also designed to emphasize the power of making connections. Participants built a strong, supportive network of colleagues from various cultures and contexts. Upon returning home, members of this network continue to support and encourage each other as they begin cascading this learning and putting their action plans and analyses of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) into use. 

Reflections From Participants

To understand the impact of this program, read some reflections on the experience from these incredible leaders. Comments are sorted by the outcomes that emerged from being a part of this amazing experience: strengthening leadership, building community, and cascading knowledge. 

Strengthening Leadership

Some people are naturally leaders, but leading effectively can be a whole learning process. This program has helped shape my leadership skills and helped me be conscious about the "what" and the "how" when it comes to leading in general and leading an ELTA. It made me question the functioning of my various associations and understand the "why" behind their shortfalls. I'm well equipped to give my main ELTA a new breath and I'm confident enough to aspire to higher positions in national and international ELTAs.

–Christelle Djoukouo, Cameroon Bilingual Letters Teachers’ Association (CABITA)

The Africa ELTA–TESOL leadership program has been a transformative experience for me. I've gained practical skills crucial for effective leadership through resourceful and hands-on modules. The discussion forum is my favorite part, offering real-life scenarios and valuable insights from fellow learners. This wealth of knowledge has enriched my understanding and provided actionable steps. I've already started applying these insights to boost engagement within my local ELT community. This program is truly an eye-opener and has equipped me to be a better leader. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.

–Chime Izuchukwu Light, English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN)

Participating in a leadership program has profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth. The program not only provided me with invaluable knowledge about effective leadership strategies but also facilitated a deep self-discovery journey. Through various insightful sessions, I was able to better understand my strengths and areas for improvement, which has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style. Moreover, the discussions held during the program were eye-opening. They offered me a unique opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and cultures. This exposure has broadened my horizons, allowing me to appreciate and understand different cultural contexts better.

–Naziha Benosmane, Higher Teacher Training School of Oran, Algeria

I am so pleased to have been nominated and accepted as a beneficiary on this program as a leader and volunteer in Uganda National English Language Teachers’ Association. I have been struggling with a number of challenges that stream from not having had any prior training or background in leadership. This program has empowered me through mindset change and opened me up to numerous perspectives. It has been a professional development that has leveraged both my personal and professional growth.  It is a yardstick that will help me set definite actions and milestones to enhance my efficiency and productivity as a leader, as well as an opportunity for cascading the knowledge and skills through back in my association through leadership mentorship programs to scaffold upcoming leaders with the aim of fostering good governance, efficiency, efficacy, productivity, inclusion and sustainability in our teachers’ association. 

–Catherine Nansobya, UNELTA

Building Community

Participating in the leadership program was a remarkable opportunity for me to share best practices with diverse and engaged fellow teachers from different backgrounds. It further equipped me with invaluable skills and perspectives that I am eager to apply in my professional endeavors. These experiences have not only enriched my understanding but also expanded my network with fellow educators and leaders across the continent.

–Abdou Niane, Association of Teachers of English in Senegal (ATES) 

My experience with the Africa ELTA–TESOL leadership program has been quite enlightening. The topics covered and the discussions raised offered fresh, versatile viewpoints on many issues. I got the chance to connect with ELT community leaders and got inspired with ideas and best practices that will definitely be reflected in my work with NileTESOL. I hope that TESOL and Africa ELTA continue bringing people together through such wonderful programs. 

–Basma Addeq, NileTESOL, Egypt

The blended training program provided me with the fertile ground to network and build lasting relationships with like-minded ELT professionals from across Africa. Already, as a teacher who is championing blended learning in the ELT classroom, I am glad that a participant from this training program has agreed to serve as a guest teacher to virtually join my class as we study and analyze a South African poem. This will enable my learners to learn from a native’s perspective, promote cross-cultural communication and understanding as well as global awareness. 

–Leticia Emefa Yawa Akabutoo, International English Language Teachers Association (IELTA), Ghana

Cascading Knowledge

My participation in the Africa ELTA–TESOL leadership workshop has inculcated the tenets of teamwork where everyone is relevant and professional growth for all is assured, and where unconscious gender discrimination finds no expression. This training presented both opportunities and obligations of building a better and stronger association where members connect with vision and also inspire others to do same...I plan to start a coaching/mentorship program targeted towards developing effective leadership qualities in association members who show leadership potential, so they can conveniently take up leadership roles at all levels.

–Ruth Ogboji, English Language Teachers Association of Nigeria (ELTAN)

Reprinted with permission from the U.S. Department of State, funder of this program.

The leadership training was informative and timely. The topics on organizational management and building SWOT analyses were particularly an eye-opener for me as a leader. With the SWOT analysis in place and an action plan developed, I look forward to seeing our teachers’ association grow to greater heights. 

–Rodgers Ondiro, English Language Professionals' Association of Kenya (ELPAK)

My participation in the TESOL–Africa ELTA leadership training program is a professional and personal rebirth. This is because I have rediscovered myself in terms of my abilities and weaknesses as a leader and classroom teacher. I have learned so much from the training that I cannot wait to cascade knowledge and experiences acquired. There is going to be a collaboration between me and the South Tongu district education office to roll out professional development workshops targeting English language teachers in the whole district. We are at an advanced stage of the planning process and the first phase of the program will soon begin. This will enable English language teachers in the South Tongu district of Ghana to indirectly benefit from the TESOL–Africa ELTA leadership training program. 

–Leticia Emefa Yawa Akabutoo, IELTA, Ghana

The leaders training for me has been powerful. My highlight was doing a SWOT analysis. I have heard about it before but didn't realize the importance of sitting down and identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. For me, this does not only apply to our associations, but also even at work. My eyes have been opened in that I need to identify these so that I can come up with plans that are helpful to move forward. I have also learned that this is not only about identifying these, but what will I do about them: the action plan that I need to take and implementing that action plan. I believe that through this, even my performance at work going forward will improve.

–Xolela Ntikinca, Eastern Cape English Educators’ Association (ECEEA), South Africa

Moving Forward

TESOL and Africa ELTA hope to continue building on this truly transformational experience. This year’s training was offered as part of the English Access Scholarship Program funded by the U.S. Department of State, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs via the six Regional English Language Offices located in Africa. Africa ELTA’s ninth annual convention will take place in Tanzania. The program’s presenters are all very hopeful to continue this amazing work.