On Sunday morning, all roads led to Elite High school located in Bwebajja Entebbe as different secondary schools tussled out on what can be termed as “Who Knows Best.”
Over 10 schools gathered to showcase what they know best in French and wow! It was worthy attending! They all got it right, presenting to the guests interesting poems, singing different love and worship songs in French among others.
Some of the schools out did it when they presented drama/plays touching issues concerning environment, climate change to be specific, sexual abuse, intimidation and bullying in schools among others which all align with this years’ Francophonie month celebration: Speak Out.
As if that wasn’t enough, after going about poems and the rest of the activities, it was then at the closing session that these students became personal with every school unleashing the beast in them through dancing, it was incredible how they danced, uniformly and never missing a step, it was magical!
Not wanting to be out competed, every school did what they thought was best for the guests to see and it surely worked out since they caught the guests attention who all got up on their toes to see clearly what was happening as well as clapping for the dancers and appreciating them for the million dollar dance moves. The student understood the script with every school nailing it the French way, it was indeed a great way to celebrate French Language in schools whilst embracing Francophone month which is usually celebrated in March every year.
Organized by the The Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), the event with focus on enhancement of confidence, presentation and improving the learning of French Language in schools through poems, dance and music as a simple and adorable easy-kind way to get well acquitted with French language skills.
Addressing guests at the event, the guest of honor, Mr. Calvin Olabo, Vice President, APFO, applauded the schools for tuning up for the event in large numbers and congratulated those who were able to speak out some of the major challenges faced by not only students but different communities as well which include, human torture and human activity on the environment, sexual harassment which eventually leads to teenage pregnancies and acquiring of diseases among others.
We have schools that did not come from this region but have come to celebrate with us. And trust me all those who have showcased, all did justice to this years’ theme “Prenez La Parole ” which in English translates to “Speak Out” and indeed, these students have been able to speak out most of the dangers faced by people in different communities.”
Olabo further added, “Friends we can all agree that this is exactly what we as Teachers of French are doing in raising awareness to different communities and its incumbent of us to all join the course”
Dr. Agatha Tumwine, the President, APFO on her part, stressed the need for the students to work hard and get along with the French language so as to explore the endless possibilities it comes with which include job opportunities and better expression of French which according to her is fun and romantic.
The day’s event was fully packed with lots of exciting activities including dance competitions, drama, poems and other skills showcases and attracted journalists, business fraternity and educationists among others.
Some of the various schools that took part in the competitions are; Kisubi Seminary , Buddo SSS, Nabisunsa girls, Kitante Hill School, Watoto Schools, St Augustine College Wakiso and St. Joseph Nagalama among others.
According to Dr. Agatha, there will be yet another similar event as Kampala A schools gather to showcase next weekend. See you there!
