The number of institutions in Uganda including schools among others promoting French language keeps on increasing day by day as seen in the ongoing Francophonie celebrations in the country.
According to the organizers of the Francophonie celebrations, The Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), over 70 schools in Uganda have taken part in the annual Francophonie celebrations across all the regions.
Speaking to media personality Emuk Benjamen, Dr. Agatha Tumwine, President of APFO explained the significance of the Francophonie celebrations which happen in the month of March every year.
The Francophonie celebrations are not just celebrations but are shaping this country’s French status. We are realizing positive results when it comes to the effective learning of French in Uganda as more and more schools are embracing learning of the French language. I am happy to report to you that from the time we started spicing Francophonie celebrations and taking it to schools, we are registering great change as more students keep coming up to embrace it.”
This year’s celebrations running under the theme “Prenez La Parole ” which in English translates to Speak Out, featuring a series of fun and incredible activities aimed at strengthening learning and mastering French language and as well as fostering teamwork and networking, a greater way to broader enormous opportunities poised to the French speakers.
Dr. Tumwine said, “the participants are doing all they can and are delighted to be part of the celebrations which include; Paris Virtual tour, search for Mr. and Miss French, dance competitions, drama, poems and spelling bee/ quiz and word search among others with each region presenting them uniquely.”
Francophonie celebrations are still ongoing until April 12, 2025 with more schools lined up to showcase their French skills according to Dr. Tumwine. She revealed, “We also have CALUFU camps coming up in May this year,” she said.
Some of the schools which partook of the Francophonie celebrations over the weekend include; Nabumali High School Mbale, Bishop Cipriano Kihangire SS Luzira, Kisoro Municipal Vocational Training Institute, St. Stephen’s College Bajja, St. Mathias Kalemba S S Nazigo and Wadlay S.S Pakawach among others.
Asked about the progress of learning of French in different schools, some teachers disclosed that they are faced with the challenge of old French scholastic materials which according to them, do not match the new curriculum, hence making it difficult for them to carry out effective leaning of French language.
