Often, teachers of African languages must create their own teaching materials, and they may also have to contend with multiple-level classes. The Foreign Language Institute and the Peace Corps have developed African-language instructional materials for adults, but teachers must adapt them for their young students. Overseas summer language programs can provide teachers with opportunities to enhance their language proficiency, increase their knowledge of the culture, and collect authentic materials. The National Endowment for the Humanities, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Information Agency, and National Council for U.S.-Arab Relations provide summer curriculum fellowships. National Foreign Language Resource Centers.
Teachers can utilize electronic media in African languages to expand language and culture contacts.
For example, electronic mail service in Afrikaans, Swahili, and Yoruba provides opportunities for maintaining reading and writing skills. Voice of America broadcasts by short-wave radio and offers text on a homepage in Amharic, Arabic, Hausa, and Swahili. Computerized and video lessons are also available for some African languages. These courses attract students of African heritage and others seeking a multicultural education. Unfortunately, many of these programs lack basic requirements such as qualified teachers, facilities, funding, textbooks, and regular classes.