KAMPALA-The French government through their embassy in Uganda, Alliance Francaise in Kampala (AFK) and other partners have launched a two year initiative at a cost of one billion , one hundred twenty three million, seventy seven six thousand Uganda shillings Shillings (1,123, 776000 UGX) With a view of improving access to quality French education throughout the country.
This initiative which has been referred to as FEF Will run for a period of two years and it will be conducted in schools country wide with a focus on benefiting students, teachers, and schools alike.
“The first activities of this initiative, shall include visiting of schools and in this we have hope to visit twenty secondary schools teaching French all over the country. Fifteen of these will receive awards as a token of appreciation for the hard work and being key actors towards the development French in Uganda.” Remarked Pauline DINNET ,the head of Project at Alliance Francaise Kampala during a press briefing on Wednesday
She also pointed that the criteria for selecting the best school will be based on the number of the students taking French after it has become optional, having French represented in schools through decorations or any other form.
“We have so far visited a number of secondary schools where over 400 students have benefited through and also got an opportunity to learn French from native speakers.”
Agatha Tumwine , the President of the Association of French Teachers in Uganda consisting of over 400 teachers of French across the country , revealed that as implementing partners of FEF , they have embarked on training teachers on the lower curriculum development.
“All teachers of French will be trained and at first, we had our first training in Kampala at MUBS from 8th May to 14th May 2024, well as in December, we shall be in Northern Uganda and in January 2024, we shall hold similar trainings in Eastern Uganda.” Said Tumwine
She also added that as an Association, in order to increase their visibility in the community, they hold various events in the community. “This weekend we shall be gathering at Kyambogo University where we shall kick off the day we cleaning of Banda and neighboring areas as sign that French teachers don’t end only in classrooms.”
As part of its outreach efforts, Alliance Française de Kampala has launched a new podcast titled French Language in Uganda, available on YouTube. The podcast features episodes on various topics related to learning French, including available French language certifications, the benefits of learning French, and personal stories from professionals who use French in their careers.
