Guillaume Muhoza
Burundi’s youth are learning English, and they’re having a blast doing it. It’s not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about a community : the Interact Academy, it’s about growth, and… a whole podcast: The Setback. A platform for empowerment, connection, and some seriously interesting conversations.
Meet Siyondavyi Alex, the founder of The Set. We caught up with him and his Interact Academy team at the swanky Mirton Hotel in Bujumbura. “At The Set, we don’t just speak English; we have conversations that matter,” Alex says. And here’s where it gets really good: their community isn’t just a group of grammar nerds, it’s a collective of university students and young learners, all navigating a world where 1.5 billion people use English daily for tourism, research, and other cool stuff.
“For us, English is a bridge,” Alex continues. “It’s a global connector, opening doors to new opportunities and cultures.” He’s not wrong. When you think about it, mastering English can unlock an entire world, especially for Burundians who are aiming to access information, advance their careers, and maybe even make a few international friends along the way.
A Year of (Podcast) Progress: Welcome to The Set’s 2024 Highlights
So, what’s been cooking this year? Well, for starters, the learners at The Set are growing into confident English speakers, mastering self-expression in a language that can be intimidating for many. “We’re not just teaching them words; we’re teaching them how to share their passions with the world,” Alex beams.
And it’s not just talk: In May, they launched The Setback Podcast, and it’s been a hit. We’re talking major guest appearances, like international comedy star, Michael Sengazi, English journalism pioneer in Burundi Moses Havyarimana, socialite Dalilla Nimpagaritse, and many more movers and shakers, all sharing their stories and encouraging listeners to chase their dreams and, sometimes, have a good laugh along the way. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a full-blown platform that’s getting all kinds of people hyped up.
Alex’ Journey: From Boarding School Books to Building Bridges
Alex didn’t just wake up one day and think, “Hey, let’s teach English!” Oh no. His journey to founding The Set was a bit of a rollercoaster. “I grew up in a boarding school with a passion for literature, stories that mixed magic with reality, and a camera in hand,” he recalls. After completing secondary school in the arts, Alex went on to study English Literature at the University of Burundi. But wait, there’s more. He also majored in Business Communication, all while secretly harboring a love for investigative journalism.
“I became a trainer in news writing and storytelling for aspiring journalists,” he says. “This program, supported by the US Embassy and Burundi Times, changed the game for me.” But the real kicker? It was during his training that Alex noticed how many Burundians were struggling with English. Despite its importance for global communication, many young people were stumbling through it.
“English is the key to global integration,” Alex says, channeling his inner motivational speaker. “For Burundians to compete for scholarships, succeed in business, or even just travel, English is a must. By 2030, over 3 billion people will speak English. So, why not be part of that wave?”
The Struggles: “Podcasting is Hard, But I Like It”
Of course, no success story is without its bumps in the road, and Alex isn’t shy about admitting the challenges. “Starting a podcast and media project was no walk in the park,” he confesses. “The budget was tight, the equipment was sketchy, and let’s not even talk about setting up a studio.”
“Starting something with zero certainty was a huge risk,” Alex adds. “But passion, and the will to just dive in, are what made it possible.” And if you ask him today, he’ll tell you that it was totally worth it.
And it’s not just talk. The team now includes four full-time employees, plus a rotating cast of freelancers for specific tasks like documentary production. “We’ve got 13 learners developing their English skills, many of whom are now getting into voiceovers for documentaries,” Alex says, clearly thrilled about the impact they’re having.
Big Dreams Ahead
Long-term, The Set isn’t planning to rest on its laurels. Alex has his eyes on something even bigger, a center where young people can collaborate, exchange ideas, and work on projects. “We want to build a full-time TV station and filmmaking school. Think about it: showcasing Burundi to the world through the lens of its youth. That’s the dream.”
Feedback: “People Love Us. Seriously.”
It turns out, the world is catching on. The feedback from podcast listeners and guests has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are noticing the progress of our learners. They’re now able to conduct interviews and even produce content on their own,” Alex beams. “Even Burundians abroad are giving us props for connecting them back to their roots.”
So there you have it: The Set isn’t just about learning English. It’s about building a community, making connections, and allowing young Burundians to create their own space in the world, one podcast, one conversation, and one learner at a time.
