GETTING TOGETHER-DISCUSSION TIMES

Students of different gender

Attentive students. Student of all ages.

Djim and Honore lead discussion. In the middle is a guest Sam Azubuike

Another time of discussion and debate was organized by the AELIC teachers. The subject of discussion was "ARE YOU PROUD TO BE CHADIAN?" With the many difficulties young Chadians face today,i.e poor education, lack of employment, many see their lives as worthless and unmeaningful. Many wonder why they were born in Chad and see no pride in being Chadians.

There were many opinions and thoughts around the theme. Some expressed their pride in being Chadians because their parents were born in Chad and gave them life in Chad. Therefore, despite the diffculties and challenges, this is where God allowed them to be born and they should be proud about that. They see it as their responsibility to provide recommendations and suggestions on how to improve the country, but more importantly what actions/initiatives they can take as Chadian citizens to improve their families and their communities and therefore, in the end improving the country. Others expressed a sadness and regret to have been born in Chad. For them it seems that Chad is under a curse because nothing changes and conditions of life continue to get worse. When they look into the future they see nothing positive on the horizon. It was felt that in order to have a good life, they would have to leave Chad. Also in the world Chad does not have a positive image and is seen as a war torn country with much poverty and very little hope. However, a Togolese (citizen of the country of Togo) among the group expressed that there are many opportunities in Chad, but sees that there exist a general apathy by many young Chadians to create their own businesses or initiatives.

In conclusion, despite the seemingly unchanging conditions of Chad, as citizens of the country, we all should be interested in finding ways to improve and develop Chad. Changing Chad begins first with individual perception about what Chad is and what one can do in changing the condition of the coutry. And through collective participation and "rolling up your sleeves" (getting ready to work), the country can change. That responsibility belongs to nobody else, but Chadians.

AELIC VISITOR-STUDENT DISCUSSION TIMES

Sharing, teaching, and learning as a community. This is what AELIC is about.

It was a sell out crowd!

Mr. Peter MaClure from England. He spoke on marriage from a Christian Biblical understanding

From time to time native English speakers are invited to interact with the students. This allows first hand contact with native speakers. English is like any other language with different meanings for words and diverse accents. Inviting native speakers from different countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and the United States gives the students opportunities to hear English spoken in many different ways. These discussion times also allow students to learn more about the cultures of many of the visitors.

Visitors are free to speak about themselves or can come prepared with subjects for discussion. Subjects that have been presented by visitors and discussed with students are marriage from a religious and cultural perspective, HIV/AIDS - cultural viewpoints and prevention, cultural differences between the West and Africa, men and women's roles within different socieites. These are only a few of the subjects that have initiated positive discussion and debate. Regardless of the subject, positions, and disagreements students and visitors leave with a deeper understanding of one another.

AELIC CLASSES IN ACTION

Something to always to smile about.

Honore stylin'. He's ready to start dispensing knowledge

Students motivated to learn. Hard at work

A few laughs with students to calm nerves

Djim preparing to start class.

AELIC ENGLISH CLASSES FOR ADULTS

In July AELIC decided to add another initiative to the library and to the English club by starting English classes for adults. Many of the students who attend the English club and members of the library asked often if there were any formal English classes. Due to the amount of request an English program was put together to meet the demand.

Djim (standing to the left in the picture above), a member of the AELIC leadership team, accepted to steward the initiative. Djim recently completed his studies at a vocational teacher's school where he trained in teaching the English language so this was an opportunity to put the his skills to use. Classes started in early July and presently there are two levels: Beginners and Intermediate. The classes meet three times a week for two hours each session.

Djim is assisted in the program by Honore who is a third year student in English at the University of N'djamena.

AELIC appreciates the work of Djim and Honore in there desire and willingness to teach others.

DONATED ENCYCLOPEDIAS

Honore in front of encyclopedias donated by Glynn Ransleben of San Antonio, Texas (USA). The AELIC library thanks her for her donation which has been very helpful to many of our members. It is through contributions such as this that encourages the AELIC staff because we know people are interested and care enough to help.

CYPEFOL - University of N'djamena Club

CYPEFOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Club of Youth for the Practice of English as a Foreign Language (CYPEFOL) is an association created by English major students from the University of N'djamena. CYPEFOL was created to enhance the opportunities for English students to improve their English. Some of CYPEFOL objectives are:

• to improve student's English level
• to organize summer English classes for those who are interested
• to broadcast English radio shows
• to organize English cultural activities through skits, poetry, debate, games etc.

AELIC CLUB PICTURES

Member of AELIC library and AELIC English Club