News
France Launches Initiative To Boost French Language Education In Uganda
BY Tom Magezi
The French government has introduced the Equip French Fund (EFF), a €288,450 (Shs1 billion) initiative to improve French language instruction in Ugandan secondary schools.
The program was officially launched at Alliance Française de Kampala (AFK), following a proposal from the French Embassy in Uganda.
This two-year project, managed by the French Embassy, AFK, and the Association of Professors of French in Uganda, aims to enhance teaching methods and support innovative educational approaches for French language education.
During the inauguration, French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, highlighted the project’s role in not only bolstering French language education but also in fostering stronger bilateral relations.
“This initiative will enrich the learning and teaching experience, facilitating cultural exchange and building friendships between our nations,” said Ambassador Sticker. He praised the French government for its commitment to Uganda’s educational development.
Eric Touzé, AFK director, detailed the project’s objectives, focusing on advancing teaching practices and providing comprehensive teacher training in Uganda. He mentioned three key components of the initiative:
- Training secondary school teachers in advanced pedagogical methods.
- Providing instruction at AFK on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the DELF exams.
- Ensuring gender inclusivity and addressing diverse educational needs.
“We plan to visit various provinces to monitor progress and produce multimedia resources to document the state of French education across Uganda throughout the project,” Touzé added. “The teachers trained today will become the trainers of tomorrow.”
The Association of Professors of French in Uganda will also contribute by enhancing teachers’ skills and organizing Francophile camps for students in five regions: West Nile, North, Central, West, and East. Additionally, they will create audiovisual teaching materials tailored to the Ugandan context.
The event saw the participation of numerous French teachers from across Uganda and other notable guests.
