SWAHILI CLUB
Brief Background
In Uganda, there are over 50 local languages spoken. This creates a problem in communication especially in the National Seminaries and other local institutions. It is no doubt Swahili is a uniting language not only in Uganda but also in the entire East Africa. Therefore, an exposure of Kiswahili to seminarians who intend to serve within this region is of great help. That is why in their plenary meeting at St Augustine-Nsambya in November 2004, the Catholic Bishops of Uganda recommended this language to be taught in all the National Major Seminaries.
This club was officially started by Mr. Safari Emmanuel with only 19 registered members in the first semester of 1995/96 Academic Year.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SWAHILI CLUB
- To help the students acquire the elementary knowledge of Kiswahili.
- To simplify the communication in the multilingual National Seminary environment.
- It is one way to enhance unity irrespective of the different regions, tribes, and cultural backgrounds.
- The language is broadcasted on international radio stations such as Voice of Germany (VOG), British Broadcasting Cooperation (BB) and Voice of America (VOA) hence it helps a student to follow up such presentations from these radios.
LESSONS
Members have lessons weekly by the Mwalimu; teacher well versed with the language. Extra lessons are organized whenever there is a provision for some free time. The club takes it as a point to celebrate Masses in Kiswahili, listening to Swahili tapes, watching TV channels with Swahili programs but above all putting an extra effort to lear this language by heart under normal everyday conversation.