The English Capacity Building Program for NU Educators is a flagship initiative under the management of the Nasima Education Scholarship (NES), initiated by the NASIMA Islamic Education Foundation in collaboration with the Nahdlatul Ulama Provincial Board (PWNU) of Central Java. This program reflects our shared commitment to preparing NU educators who are not only proficient in English but also grounded in the spiritual and intellectual traditions of Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah an-Nahdliyah. It aims to build a generation of teachers and leaders who can represent Indonesia’s moderate Islamic identity on the global stage.
What distinguishes this program is its integrative approach, combining English proficiency training with a Supplementary Program focused on personal integrity, ethical leadership, and spiritual maturity. Participants are guided to develop communicative competence alongside character development—learning to speak English with confidence, and at the same time, to think, act, and serve with sincerity, honesty, and moral courage. The integration of these two dimensions ensures that linguistic mastery does not stand apart from the values of akhlaqul karimah, but rather becomes a tool for embodying them in daily life and professional practice.
The learning process is designed in accordance with the principles of adult education as proposed by Malcolm Knowles, emphasizing autonomy, reflection, and relevance to real-world experiences. The curriculum blends English for Specific Purposes (ESP) with sessions on public speaking, global communication, and NU-based ethical orientation. Through this synergy, participants are equipped not only to use English effectively but also to articulate the values of Islam Nusantara—an Islam that is peaceful, inclusive, and transformative—within global academic and professional settings.
It is our sincere hope that this integrative model will inspire NU educators to become both linguistically competent and morally exemplary. As they strengthen their English communication skills and deepen their ethical awareness, they will embody the ideal of rahmatan lil ‘alamin—becoming educators who enlighten, unite, and serve humanity with compassion and wisdom. May this initiative continue to expand its impact, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and global engagement among NU’s educators and future leaders.