English Training in Madagascar

In an April 2007 constitutional referendum, Madagascar made English one of the three national languages. There will be a big push for quality English training programs throughout the country. Several churches have already expressed interest in hosting classes.

A church-based ESL program provides an excellent opportunity to meet the physical needs of the community and bring those who might not otherwise attend, into the church. In addition to providing a linguistic service, the intention of these programs is to share the love of Christ with the Malagasy in a safe environment.

I will be developing relationships with Malagasy churches and seeking to implement English programs with them. During the first year, I will be in intensive language study while developing relationships with Malagasy churches who are

interested in hosting English programs. In addition to teaching some classes, I will be training church leaders to take over these programs.

My hope is to bring people into the church by providing quality English programs. When a church expresses interest in an English program, we will begin to implement a class. Much like a Pauline church model, leaders from the church will be trained and the programs will be turned over to them in 1 - 2 years. From there, my relationship with these programs would be one of guidance and mentoring. I hope to see a multiplication of high-level, church-based English classes that will translate not only into quality literacy education, but also new believers and church members.