People who used to stay silent

I live outside Kigali so I joined the online groups. Small group, camera on, speaking every session. It is real training, not watching videos. My calls with regional partners are easier now.

My children ask to go to English class. They come home singing and telling me stories in English. The monthly note about what they can now say is something no other school gave us.

My suppliers are in Dubai and Nairobi. Before, my cousin handled every call. Now I negotiate myself. The business English course paid for itself on the first order.

In class I understood everything but never raised my hand. The debate practice changed that. Last semester I presented twice and even argued with the lecturer — politely, in English.

The coaching was built around my real situation — board presentations. We practised with my actual slides. I gave the presentation in English and it went fine. That was the goal, and we hit it.

I knew English from school but I was always afraid to speak with guests. After the bootcamp I take calls and handle complaints in English without panicking. My manager noticed in the first month.