By East Africa 24 News Desk | November 5, 2025
BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI — The United States is intensifying its cultural and educational diplomacy in Burundi through a series of English language initiatives aimed at empowering youth, bridging global opportunity gaps, and strengthening bilateral ties in the Great Lakes region.
At the heart of this quiet yet strategic move is the International Solidarity English Club (ISEC), an initiative supported by the U.S. Embassy’s American Corner in Kamenge, Bujumbura. The program, founded and chaired by Ferdinand Nitunga, a respected English trainer and YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) alumnus, has become a hub for language learning, leadership, and international career preparation.
“We want young people to see English as a tool to transform not only their lives but also their communities,” Nitunga said during a recent ISEC workshop on American English pronunciation.
ISEC, established in 2011, runs a broad range of programs including workshops on American English pronunciation, public speaking, and career-oriented English. The club’s focus on fluency and confidence aims to prepare Burundian students and professionals for global exams like TOEFL and IELTS, often prerequisites for scholarships, international jobs, and study opportunities abroad.
The U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura has positioned English education as a gateway to personal and national development. Through partnerships with local educators, American Corners, and exchange alumni, the Embassy promotes what diplomats call “English for Empowerment”—a cornerstone of U.S. soft power engagement across Africa.
While the initiative appears academic, regional analysts say it also carries geopolitical significance. By expanding English instruction in a predominantly Francophone and Kirundi-speaking country, Washington subtly strengthens its influence in the Great Lakes region, where France and China have historically dominated development and linguistic diplomacy.
“Language is not neutral—it shapes alliances, markets, and ideas,” said a local education policy expert in Bujumbura. “By making English aspirational, the U.S. is reshaping Burundi’s youth identity toward global integration.”
Beyond language, ISEC’s mission is deeply social. The club provides an inclusive environment for young women and marginalized youth, equipping them with communication and leadership skills to thrive in professional spaces.
The American Corner Kamenge—one of several such centers across Africa—serves as a cultural and educational bridge, offering free access to learning resources, digital tools, and training programs.
As Burundi navigates its post-conflict reconstruction and seeks deeper engagement with the international community, initiatives like ISEC reflect a subtle but powerful shift: the U.S. is investing in minds, not just markets.
And in the classrooms of Bujumbura, every confident English sentence spoken may be a small step toward that broader vision.