In 2014, the British Council was granted a World Bank award to develop the National English Language curriculum for Sudan.
The journey began in 2014 to create a series of English language textbooks called Sudan Modern Integrated Learning of English (SMILE). The primary aim of the project was to enhance the level of English language proficiency in primary schools. The project aimed to produce seven English language textbooks to be taught from grade 3 in primary education, with a target reach of approximately 10 million children.
In 2018, as the SMILE project came to an end, another period filled with challenges and risks began. Nurturing the SMILE series proved to be a greater challenge than the design of the books. The successful implementation of SMILE was integral to the process of supporting the ongoing efforts to improve the education system in Sudan.
In 2021, the Ministry of Education requested an extension of the books, covering the 12 years of the general education ladder: six years of Primary, three years of Intermediate, and three years of Secondary levels. Currently, this year marks the conclusion of the SMILE Curriculum series.
The SMILE project has endured a challenging period in Sudan's history, enduring a revolution in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a military coup in 2022, and the ongoing war. The journey is far from over, as efforts continue to support the substantial need for English education in Sudan, not only at the school level. An ongoing project with the Ministry of Higher Education is underway to develop a series of textbooks required for first-year university students. This project runs in parallel with the SMILE curriculum, ensuring that students enter university with the same level of proficiency they graduate from schools.
Furthermore, as part of the country's strategy to support the development of teachers in Sudan, support has been provided for the establishment of an English language teachers association in Khartoum and two chapters in the states, along with English Language teaching forums for teachers with themes centred around teaching SMILE.
The SMILE series aims to reach 15 million students and 30,000 teachers across all levels. The impact of these books will be transformative, significantly improving English language proficiency for children and teachers in Sudan.
The links to the SMILE resources can be found here.