07 Apr 2019

French Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Pierre Voillery says there has been an increase of interest for French among Batswana.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony of DELF Junior in Gaborone last week, Mr Voillery noted that in 2018, Alliance Francaise Gaborone registered 251 DELF across all ages and levels as compared to 115 in 2017.

He also noted that there were 3 216 children learning French in public schools from primary to secondary with the support of 140 teachers who supervised them in learning the language.

He noted that the embassy had a collaborative initiative with the French Institute, University of Botswana, French Teachers Association in Botswana, Alliance Francaise of Gaborone as well as the Ministry of Basic Education to train French teachers.

He said a two-day workshop was scheduled for July and that at the end of the workshop a teaching booklet would be published and distributed to all institutions teaching French throughout the country.

Mr Voillery also said the French Embassy was pleased to be supportive and to participate in the growing interest of French in Botswana. He added that it was proof that French has an important role in Botswana.

Meanwhile, Alliance Francaise director, Ms Aurelle Gbeffa said learning a new language was about opening to others and discovering the world with a fresh perspective. She added that it was  also about accepting differences.

Ms Gbeffa noted that every year in March, they celebrated international week of Francophonie with a variety of activities such as the graduation ceremony. In addition to the festivities, she said this year they had established a partnership with the Congolese community in Botswana and organised a film screening on Botswana television.

Other activities include the French contest in Naledi and Ledumang senior schools. Also lined up to carry on with the celebrations are Fete de la Musique or the day of Epiphany or chocolate workshop with children in Easter. ENDS