Swahili

SWAHILI AND INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

Our Swahili and Intercultural Engagement programmes promote East Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, support cross-cultural exchange and connection, and foster intercultural skills and education.

What makes our intercultural engagement work special is the international composition of the Swahili classes and the other cultural training activities that take place at MS TCDC. This allows for an enhancement of informal cross-cultural discussions and provides participants with an invaluable network.

SWAHILI COURSES

Swahili Beginner

SWAHILI BEGINNER

Master the basics of Swahili through immersive, interactive learning and cultural experiences.

Swahili Advance

SWAHILI INTERMEDIATE

Refine your grammar and vocabulary to confidently communicate effectively in various social, cultural, and work-related settings.

Swahili

ADVANCED SWAHILI

Enhance your Swahili fluency by mastering complex grammar that will enable you to engage in conversations in various settings.

AFI Graduation

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMMES

In collaboration with universities and institutions, we focus on improving linguistic skills, intercultural competencies, and historical awareness. Our tailored study abroad programmes cover a range of subjects, including development studies, contemporary issues, ecology, and anthropology. This enriching experience can be delivered both in-person and virtually. 

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WHO WE HOST

PittinTZ

Pittsburg University

Study Abroad Programme

University of Florida

University of Florida - AFLI Programme

Study Abroad Programme

American Council

American Councils - CLS

Study Abroad Programme

Maryland

University of Maryland

Study Abroad Programme

Braeburn

Braeburn Schools

Proficieny testing

OPI

SWAHILI PROFFICIENCY TESTING

We test Swahili learners to determine their actual functioning level from beginner, intermediate, to advanced and superior levels and provide a certificate of proficiency, recognised by the National Swahili Council of Tanzania.

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Translation

Whether for programs, institutions, events, or personal needs, our expert linguists provide reliable translations in multiple languages, with a strong focus on Swahili. 

Skilled in various domains, we translate a wide range of materials, including legal documents, educational content, technical manuals, academic papers and audio-visual materials, utilising globally recognised translation methods to ensure efficiency and accuracy. 

Let's work together

#BeyondLanguage

CLS

Swahili is more than a language. Beyond the language courses, we support individuals, universities and institutions to get an all-around experience in East Africa that facilitates cross-cultural understanding and enhances deeper community connection. 

AFI Graduation

SERVICE LEARNING AND INTERNSHIPS

This is a unique partnership for university students to get involved with communities to either apply knowledge or broaden their understanding through involvement in service to the community and reflection. We have relationships with 15+ agencies within Tanzania where placement for volunteers and internships can be organised.

Excursion

STUDY TOUR EXCURSIONS

Taking advantage of being in East Africa, we can arrange for excursion trips to nearby national parks, coastal trips, cultural heritages, and indigenous communities to enhance your cultural learning and experience. The study tour excursions can be embedded in different programmes and it is optional.

Homestay

HOMESTAY PLACEMENT

We organise homestays for diverse groups, including volunteers, interns and study abroad programme participants. Our homestay policy guarantees safety and a quality immersed experience.

EVENTS WE HAVE HOSTED

National Swahili Festival (2019)

Tamasha
Tamasha la Kitaifa la Kiswahili na Utamaduni

In collaboration with the National Swahili Association (BAKITA), we organised a national Swahili festival to recognise the expansion of Swahili language and its role as a fundamental pillar for development.  The festival celebrated and showcased the diverse cultures associated with Swahili in its various facets.

ACADEMIC CONFERENCES

Chaukidu
CHAUKIDU

 A platform that brought together Swahili scholars to discuss issues on Swahili linguistics and literature

In 2023, we had the privilege of organising, in collaboration with the Global Association for the Promotion of Swahili (CHAUKIDU. We had hosted Scholars from Africa, Europe and America who presented their papers on issues of language and literature. 

MS TCDC 50 Years Anniversary

MEET THE INTERCULTURAL TEAM

Said Omar

Dr. Said Omar

Head of Intercultural Unit

Dr. Said Omar

Head of Intercultural Unit omars@mstcdc.or.tz Omar Said is a Swahili Language and Culture Trainer currently pursuing his PhD in Kiswahili (Applied Linguistics) at the University of Dar es Salaam. Omar holds a BA in Languages and Interpretation from the Muslim University of Morogoro as well as an MA in Swahili Studies from Makumira University. Omar’s academic achievements are complemented by several years of experience as a Swahili-English translator/interpreter, language instructor as well as one year of Swahili teaching experience overseas at Michigan State University as a Fulbright Scholar.
Nimpher

NIMPHER BURETA

Swahili Courses & Volunteers Coordinator

NIMPHER BURETA

Swahili Courses & Volunteers Coordinator buretan@mstcdc.or.tz

Nimpher is a Swahili Courses and Volunteers Coordinator with 5 years of experience with international programs providing coordination of volunteers and internship placements across Tanzania.

BENJAMINI GAMBALOYA

Associate Language Trainer

BENJAMINI GAMBALOYA

Associate Language Trainer Benjamin Gambaloya holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kiswahili and History and a Master in Education Management. He has spent his professional life teaching Swahili in primary and secondary schools since 2005. He began teaching Swahili to international students in 2015 at MS-Training Centre for Development Cooperation (TCDC) when he was brought on to work as a language instructor for Swahili programs such as AFLI–Swahili, CLS and short Swahili language courses for foreigners. Benjamin loves fish, and has a stylish assortment of ties which garner students’ awe and admiration.

VINOLD JOHN MKENDA

Associate Language Trainer

VINOLD JOHN MKENDA

Associate Language Trainer Vinold holds a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Education and majored in History and Swahili. He later completed a Master's Degree of Science in Governance and Leadership at Jomo Kenyatta University. Vinold started working with MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) in 2017 as a Kiswahili teacher for foreigners and coordinator of the study abroad programs for students mainly from America. Vinold has worked with the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) as a freelance Swahili teacher for foreigners Through Sustainable Environment Management Action (SEMA). He also graduated from Tumaini Makumira University with a Master of Art in Swahili, as his second master's degree

HASHIMU NJAU

Associate Language Trainer

HASHIMU NJAU

Associate Language Trainer Hashimu holds a Master's degree in Swahili. He began teaching Swahili, English language and ICT in 2014. He has since taught Swahili to students from several renowned international programs and organizations, including the American Councils for International Education. Njau enjoys being a part of students' language learning journey and works hard to create a classroom environment that is fun and (at times) silly. He is a Google Map of Arusha and the go-to source for any fun recreational activity in the city and loves watching movies during his downtime.

Related Stories

AFLI 2024

Swahili's Role in African Identity and Connection

Our recent cohort of students from the African Languages Initiative (AFLI), shares their experience of engaging with Swahili and its culture.

 

OPI

Why Swahili Proficiency Testing Matters: A Journey With Braeburn Schools

Why Swahili Proficiency Testing Matters: A Journey With Braeburn Schools

IN THE WORDS OF OUR STUDENTS

One of the things that has helped me understand Swahili better and learn Swahili more has been being able to go out in the community and have conversations with people who are not trained to help people who are simply learning Swahili.

Asha Bhatt, USA
Pitt in Tanzania Programme

The HRBA course has been an eye-opening experience, helping me connect human rights advocacy with the work I do in South Africa. It emphasised the importance of inclusivity and unity across African nations. I’ve gained valuable insights into fostering collaboration within communities and between stakeholders, which will strengthen my advocacy efforts.

Sibonelo
Sibobelo Mavuso, South Africa
Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) Participant

Enrolling in the Master of Leadership and Governance program has been transformative for me. As a climate justice activist and feminist, this course has shaped my leadership skills, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence to tackle global crises like climate change. I’m inspired to become the kind of leader my community and continent need.

Magdalene
Magdalene Idiang, Nigeria
Master of Leadership and Governance Alumni

One of the most powerful lessons I gained was understanding the true essence of feminist leadership as a force rooted in empathy, empowerment, creating space for others, nurturing shared power, and leading with love and purpose.

Ruth Kay
Ruth Kay Kangwa
HRBA and Feminist Leadership Participant

This course exceeded my expectations! I learned outcome mapping and harvesting while enhancing my skills in result-based management and reporting. The small class size and hands-on facilitation made it a transformative experience. I'm eager to apply these tools in my work, particularly for qualitative assessments in human rights and democracy.

Alvin Wafula, Kenya
Outcome Harvesting Participant