English literacy is very important to Zull-kifuly Moumouni, whose goal is to create an education center in his home community in Benin, Africa. This past academic year, he was a member of the Humphrey Fellowship Program, which brings young, motivated professionals from developing countries to the United States for study, leadership, and professional collaboration. The program has given Zull the opportunity to make many meaningful connections, and one of those connections has been with Mid-State Literacy Council.
He thoroughly enjoyed his service at Mid-State, which will further his path towards developing an education center in an area where almost no one speaks English. He wants to help with literacy rates in his community and create more opportunities for the younger generation. He hopes his education center will help with personal development, as well. Zull stressed the importance of goal setting from a young age. His aim as a child was to go to the United States, and in middle school he started learning English. He considers it an “international language” of high importance for networking and interacting with people from all over the globe.
Zull’s passion for teaching was evident to the students in his grammar and advanced speaking classes this spring, where students engaged in a variety of activities, including reading the acclaimed Newberry Honor book, Piecing Me Together, by Renee Watson – their first novel in English for some! Zull also learned a great deal from the experience. He previously taught English in Benin, but teaching at Mid-State allowed him to work with adult students and make use of technology more extensively. Developing his technical skills was one of his primary goals, which he achieved by effectively integrating PowerPoint and multi-media in his classroom to enhance the learning experience of his students.
Mid-State is grateful for the enthusiasm and skill that Zull brought to his work here and wishes him great success in the future.
