If you think “English for Engineering” sounds like a filler course, sit in on one of Ms. Joan’s classes. You’ll quickly realize: this isn’t about grammar drills or textbook exercises. It’s about making students readable, presentable, and employable.
At Busoga International Polytechnic, Akurut Joan Mercy teaches the one skill most technical graduates forget they’ll need—how to communicate like professionals. She doesn’t overcomplicate it. But she doesn’t water it down either.
Students in her class learn how to write technical reports, structure job applications, and speak with clarity under pressure. Presentations, interview prep, even CV formatting—she covers it all, because she knows that what students say (and how they say it) can open—or close—doors.
Joan is the kind of teacher who doesn’t try to be impressive. She just is.
“I love sharing ideas with students, giving them knowledge, socialising, and making young friends.”
And she means it. There’s no distance between her and her students. They respect her because she doesn’t pretend. She’s firm, fair, and actually listens. Her sessions feel less like lectures and more like training for the real world—because that’s how she designs them.
She also pushes for growth where it’s needed most: student confidence. It’s common for new students to be hesitant—especially when speaking English in front of others. Joan doesn’t let that slide. By the end of her course, those same students are standing up, presenting, and holding their own in front of a room.
Not because they were forced to. Because they were prepared to.
Her students describe her as approachable, clear, and genuinely invested. She describes them as sharp, curious, and eager to improve. No drama—just mutual respect and results.
When asked what advice she gives her students, she keeps it blunt:
“Don’t just aim to pass—aim to learn. Seek guidance from people who can help you grow.”
It’s the kind of thing that sticks. The kind of mindset shift most people wish they had earlier.
Outside the classroom, she’s no less active. Joan spends her time reading (especially the Bible), watching films to sharpen her language instincts, and picking up new languages—Kiswahili, Chinese, French. She’s not the type to preach lifelong learning. She just does it.
There’s no buzzword here. No hollow motivation. Just a sharp, committed educator making sure the next generation doesn’t just know how to build things—but also how to speak up, write clearly, and get taken seriously.
And that makes a difference.
Want to learn from mentors like Ms. Joan?
Apply now to join Busoga International Polytechnic and start building a future that speaks for itself.
