Pioneering Quality English-Based Education in Djibouti

by Cathy Guither, REI Field Staff and Director, International School of Djibouti

Strategically located to be an epic center for world trade, Djibouti is at the heart of international living. With eight military bases, 27 foreign embassies, and refugees from surrounding countries, Djibouti hosts a wide variety of nationalities. Though the official language is French, many converse in English because of international relations.  

ISD pre-K/kindergarten class

Given the diverse population concentrated in this small nation, the Djiboutian government has been working to provide high-quality, affordable, world-class English education. In 2016, through REI, the International School of Djibouti (ISD) was established as a pioneering institution for this vision. ISD now hosts over 17 different nationalities in a school that has a student population of 70-100 students, depending upon the year.  We also work to provide job opportunities in partnership with the local government and therefore hire qualified local personnel. Currently about 50% of our staff is hired locally.  

ISD students - grades 1 - 12

Since the founding of ISD, other schools in Djibouti have also begun implementing English into their curricula, thus offering new pathways of English education for the nation and its communities. The innovation of ISD offering a standard of English education is a proven success that has helped empower and contribute to building English education at a national level. Several other schools are now implementing the same or similar American English curriculum that ISD uses in their programs. 

Kyle's class learning how to plant seeds and grow plants in science

Our After School English Clubs also provide a valuable resource for many local families. Currently more than 40% of our program's student participants do not attend ISD. Throughout the year, these English clubs include reading groups, debate, drama, writing and project-based learning activities with the purpose of teaching English, growing, and building community within a multicultural context. The mission of ISD is to provide students in Djibouti a world-class education in English focused on discovery, creativity and problem-solving to develop noble-hearted global citizens.

To celebrate this mission, ISD has now produced two high school graduates, this second graduate has been accepted at the University of Minnesota in the USA. Often, English schools in this region struggle to obtain university acceptance due to a lack of quality education. So far, here at ISD we have had a 100% university acceptance rate. 

Recent ISD graduate now attending the University of Minnesota in the USA

REI staff Kyle and Cathy work to continue the advancement process in education through teaching and serving in administration. They have also volunteered in other areas including tutoring local young adults and teaching in a Djiboutian university program. Their desire in working with students is to provide an avenue for Djiboutians to build on their experiences in the quest for access to quality education.

  Cathy taught an English university course and these students studying education participated in internships with ISD.

As the national education system continues to grow and improve, REI and ISD are working to continue to adjust and accommodate the various needs of Djibouti. This year, we have been invited to collaborate on two initiatives aimed at delivering quality English education to local communities that currently lack access to schooling. To make this vision a reality, REI will require creative solutions and dedicated partners to help cover the costs of education. One of those initiatives includes training potential future teachers. REI not only helps train future teachers but has now implemented an internship program with local potential teachers. We continue the desire to help pioneer educational needs that serve to build the nation of Djibouti.