Discover an African language school in Montreal!

Founded in September 2012 by Guy-Serge Mayamba Luboya, Ela Jambo is a language school based in Montreal, dedicated to teaching African languages. The name "Ela" is an acronym for "École de langues africaines" (School of African Languages), while "Jambo" means "hello" in Swahili, one of the most widely spoken languages ​​in sub-Saharan Africa.

Origin and mission

The idea for Ela Jambo arose from the observation that many second-generation Africans, having grown up far from their countries of origin, did not master their mother tongue. Furthermore, there were no schools in Quebec offering instruction in African languages. Thus, Ela Jambo's mission was to foster intercultural communication by offering courses in various African languages, with the vision of becoming the world leader in teaching African languages ​​and cultures.

Courses offered

Ela Jambo offers a variety of courses tailored to the needs of learners, from beginners to advanced students. Languages ​​taught include Bambara, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Wolof. The courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both language and culture. For example, the Lingala course teaches students how to introduce themselves, use numbers, and talk about their city or favorite places.

Pedagogical approach and services

The school favors an interactive approach, moving away from traditional lectures and towards more hands-on workshops. This fosters cultural immersion and better assimilation of the languages ​​taught. In addition, Ela Jambo offers interpretation services in African languages ​​to help organizations overcome language barriers in their professional activities.

Adapting to the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the school to adapt its teaching methods. Classes switched to videoconferencing, allowing students to continue their learning remotely. This transition also enabled Ela Jambo to expand its reach, making its courses accessible beyond the Montreal area.

Conclusion

Ela Jambo plays a vital role in promoting and preserving African languages ​​in Montreal. By offering tailored courses and an interactive teaching approach, the school helps strengthen cultural ties and enrich the linguistic diversity of the Montreal community.

Discover their courses here: https://elajambo.com/