The power of speaking up

Laughter and lively discussions filled the classrooms during our first-ever two-week English Immersion Program at The School of St Jude. Led by a diverse group of international volunteers, the program brought together more than 300 newly enrolled Form 1 and Form 5 students for fun, interactive activities designed to strengthen their spoken English, improve their pronunciation and build confidence using the language in everyday situations.

This support is particularly important for our new Form 1 students, many of whom join St Jude’s from government primary schools where Kiswahili is the main language of instruction and English is taught as a subject. As St Jude’s is an English-medium school, the immersion program gives them valuable extra opportunities to practice spoken English and build confidence as they adjust to their new learning environment, alongside ongoing support through our English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Among the volunteers was Luke, a retired primary school principal from Australia. He arrived ready to share his teaching experience and language expertise but quickly realised he was receiving just as much as he gave.

​“The students are so receptive to learning. They want to be challenged. They want us to correct them and help them improve,” says Luke.

Through interactive language games, structured role-plays, debate sessions and movement-based activities, the volunteers gave students opportunities to practise speaking, listening and responding in English.

​“When we first arrived, many students were very quiet,” adds Luke. “But now they greet us confidently, speak louder, ask questions and are eager to practise their English. Watching that confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding.”​

For Katherine, a teacher from the United States, the St Jude’s classrooms were a refreshing reminder of why she became an educator.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air,” she says. “So many students here genuinely want to learn. They encourage one another, volunteer to participate and celebrate each other’s progress”.

​Jasmine, a new Form 5 student at St Jude’s says the supportive atmosphere made it easier to take part, try new things and speak up.

“At first, I was nervous because I was afraid of making mistakes,” she says. “Now I feel much more confident. The volunteers encouraged us to speak without worrying about being perfect, and that really helped me believe in myself.”

Roman, a Form 1 student, experienced a similar breakthrough.

“At the start, I was shy because I wasn’t sure if my English was good enough,” he says. “I can see a big difference now. Working in groups with volunteers didn’t feel like a normal lesson instead, it felt like learning with friends.”

For both students, the program has changed how they think about making mistakes and stepping outside their comfort zones.

“I’ve learnt that making mistakes is part of learning,” Jasmine reflected. Roman agreed, adding, “They’ve shown us that confidence grows every time you step outside your comfort zone.”

Program coordinators Annette and Geoff have seen first-hand the impact of the English Immersion Program and the connections it creates between students and volunteers.

“This program is about more than learning English, it’s about building friendships, sharing cultures and growing together,” Geoff says.

With this year’s program complete, Annette and Geoff are already looking ahead to 2027.

“We can’t wait to welcome more volunteers next year and see the positive impact this journey will continue to have.”