Introduction to Swahili

Introduction to Swahili

Age Range: 6-10 yrs old

Class Time (EST): 1pm est

Class Days: Thursdays

Instructor Name: Teacher Hamisi

Instructor Email: [email protected]

Instructor cell phone: 301-466-0393

Class Description

Swahili for Absolute Beginners (Ages 6–10) Offered in Partnership with Sankofa Homeschool Collective Karibu! That means “Welcome” in Swahili! This engaging beginner class introduces young learners to the beauty and rhythm of Swahili, one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages. Designed specifically for children ages 6 to 10, this class sparks curiosity and confidence through fun, interactive lessons. Students will explore everyday words and phrases through songs, storytelling, games, and cultural connections. Each week, they will practice greetings, numbers, colors, and simple sentences, all while learning about the cultures of East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.

Class Skills Development 

By the end of the program, your child will: Speak basic greetings and introductions Recognize common words and phrases Gain awareness of Swahili-speaking cultures Build a strong foundation for continued language learning This course is perfect for absolute beginners, no prior experience needed. We focus on joyful learning, cultural pride, and building language skills that last.

Class Materials 

Class Materials: Printable Swahili word and phrase sheets (if applicable, by teacher) Small notebook or journal for practicing writing and drawing Crayons or colored pencils (for language games and cultural activities) Access to Zoom (for live class sessions) Headphones or earbuds (recommended for focus during class) Parent or caregiver nearby (especially for younger students or early sessions)

Class Norms 

Come to class prepared with your notebook, printables, and a smile! Mute yourself when not speaking, but be ready to unmute to participate. Show respect by listening when others speak and using kind words. Participation is encouraged, don’t worry about mistakes! We learn together. Parents are encouraged to support learners, especially in the first two sessions. Cameras on when possible, seeing each other helps build community. Have fun and embrace new words with curiosity! 

About the Instructor 

Teacher Hamisi is a native Swahili speaker from Tanzania with more than seven years of experience teaching Swahili to children and adults, both in-person and online. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Education and has earned specialized certifications in task-based language learning and Swahili language proficiency assessment. He is certified by BAKITA (Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa), Tanzania’s National Swahili Council, which regulates and promotes the Swahili language across the country. In addition, he serves as a professional Swahili oral proficiency tester. Teacher Hamisi has taught with respected organizations such as the U.S. Peace Corps and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where he provided both language instruction and cultural training. His teaching style is joyful, engaging, and highly interactive, using conversation practice, games, and storytelling to help students feel confident and excited to learn. Alongside Swahili, he also teaches Luguru, a traditional language spoken in parts of Tanzania. Deeply passionate about preserving African languages, Teacher Hamisi is dedicated to making language learning meaningful and accessible for all. He currently teaches with Resplendence Language Arts, where he creates inspiring classes that blend language, culture, and community.