Kevin Chisaka, our 2025-2026 Kiswahili FLTA, comes to the University of Notre Dame with an impressive resume, which gives him the titles of teacher, author, researcher, and scholar, and a young man who loves books.
Originally from Mumias, Kenya, Kevin made his home in Nairobi, where he went to University for a bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.). He spent the next five years as a high school teacher, studying, researching, and investing his talents in the future of education in Kenya.
After graduating from the University of Nairobi, Kevin took a job teaching at State House Girls High School, and then Light Academy, teaching Kiswahili and geography to young students in Nairobi. Kiswahili and geography are particular passions of Kevin.
During this time, Kevin displayed his real love for academics. He was diligent in continuing his education, taking courses in educational leadership, development, artificial intelligence, and international curricula, at Nairobi. “I value professional development. And I love studying, so I said, ‘Why not? Why not go and study?’” Kevin also took up writing, still a hobby of his, publishing several books including an anthology of short stories and poems.
In 2024, Kevin was a fellow for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center, which is a program run by the United States to form a network of young professionals and future leaders. As part of Trevor Noah Foundation and Education changemakers cohort 1, it was a lifetime opportunity for his career and professional growth. Kevin also did work with the Kenya Chapter of the Forum of African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a pan-African group founded to promote the education of girls and young women. As part of his work with FAWE, Kevin presented at an online conference in the Philippines: Breaking Down Barriers: Fostering Social Equity and Social Justice in Education. He was awarded best presenter.
It was four years after graduating university that Kevin applied for the Fulbright scholarship. He had first heard about it from his professor at the University of Nairobi, immediately following his graduation. His professor was a Fulbright scholar, back in his day. “But I didn’t take it that seriously because…I had a notion that Fulbright was not meant for me,” Kevin explains, “In Kenya, most of the people who get scholarships are, well, brilliant.” For Kevin, it didn’t seem like he would fit.
But several years later, with a wealth of research and teaching experience under his belt, when the fellowship popped up in a group chat on his phone, Kevin decided to “take a leap of faith.” The process was long, so long that at times Kevin thought he hadn’t been selected. “When I saw the email in March, to be honest, I wasn’t sure,” he says, thinking, “is this a prank?” But his answer was an immediate ‘yes’.
At Notre Dame, Kevin teaches four courses of Kiswahili, which each meet three times a week. “I wanted to teach in an American classroom,” Kevin said, “I think they took that literally!”
Teaching Kiswahili in the United States is a little different from teaching Kiswahili in Kenya, but Kevin’s passion for the subject is the same. With this opportunity as a cultural ambassador, he is ready to bridge the cultural gaps and teach his vibrant Kenyan culture in American classrooms. Kevin doesn’t miss teaching geography, either, instead he watches documentaries and listens to podcasts in his free time to get his fix.
Four courses of Kiswahili is a lot, but Kevin keeps in touch with his predecessors, from Kenya and Tanzania, who taught these courses at Notre Dame during their time as Fulbright Scholars. Although his predecessors didn’t have quite the same number of courses to teach, they provided Kevin with great moral support and advice. “I thrive in challenges,” Kevin says, “It’s a good challenge.”
It seems Kevin is more than up to the task. When the academic year comes to a close, Kevin will return his attention to his continuing education, with aspirations of a masters or a doctorate degree, and the goal of writing more books. “Though I am miles away from home, I feel closer than ever to my dreams,” he concludes. Notre Dame is lucky to have such an impressive scholar like Kevin Chisaka.
About the CSLC
The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC) aims to support language learners at ND by facilitating meaningful experiences with linguistic acquisition and exchange - both in our campus community and abroad. We believe that access to the world's languages and cultures allows us to seek out new perspectives, to value the diversity of the world's cultures, and to embody global citizenship.