Colombia has a problem with English.
Only 6 per cent of university students have a decent level of English, and teaching of the language is woefully inadequate across all schooling, according to a report by the Banco de la Republica.
The findings of “Bilingualism in Colombia” reveal a depressing 75 per cent of English teachers cannot speak the language to the European B2, or “Upper Intermediate” standard. Even more worrying, 14 per cent struggle to pass the A1, or “Beginner” level.
Unsurprising then that over 90 per cent of Colombia`s student population are failing to meet the goals of the “National Bilingual Programme”, which aims to ensure Colombians have at least B1 English.
President Santos, himself fluent in English after years of study and work in London, sees English as an essential skill if Colombia`s economic growth is to continue at the rate it has over the last decade.
In his possession speech in 2010, Santos dreamt that, “every student has access to a personal computer and bilingual education”. The Banco de la Republica`s report will make for alarming reading in the Casa de Nariño.
The noises from the Education Minister María Fernanda Campo, however, offer little hope of a strategy to improve the chances for Colombia`s school kids. When asked to comment on the report, Campo pointed to the results of those leaving university with an English degree; 50 per cent of whom had passed the B2 level.
Ms Campo should have no reason for complacency. If what she says is true, then 50 per cent of university graduates in English are failing to progress beyond intermediate. Unacceptable for a country that wants to compete on the world stage.
Of course there are many brilliant teachers some with perfect English. And what about the foreigners who have moved to Colombia as security has improved and the country`s image has improved, won`t they eventually help improve overall competency, over time?
Yes, but instead of encouraging the growth of the native English market, the Santos government appears to be putting roadblocks in place.
I have a good number of friends who teach English here in Colombia, but many tell me new laws in the government`s tax reform of 2012 make it harder for English schools to provide teachers with visas. What Colombia absolutely does not need less of is native speaking English teachers. Now is not the time to turn back the clock.
So let`s start talking about Colombia`s English problem. Let`s be honest about how it needs to improve, and how, if the country is to benefit from the Free Trade Agreements signed with the US, Europe and others, it must up its game.
I know owners of English schools across the country who are committed to providing excellent education at prices often highly competitive when compared to “official” or Ministry of Education backed institutions.
What can the ministry do to help these businesses grow?
Shouldn`t they work with English schools to grant them special status, to help them promote the English language, and to ensure Colombia`s kids are not forced to sit through lessons with teachers whose grasp of the language is unacceptably poor?
Shouldn`t adults and youngsters alike be offered accreditation from these schools, as an alternative to the formal college and university routes?
Shouldn`t tax breaks be offered for native schools, and fast track visas made available for those with qualifications and a desire to teach?
Come on Mr President, let`s make English something the whole of society can benefit from, not just those rich enough to send their kids to university in the US and the UK.
