KAMPALA- There has been a missing gap in the spreading of the French Language across the national spectrum in Uganda. In efforts to narrow the weak links, the government of France through the French Embassy has invested funds that will be aimed at improving the teaching of the language in secondary schools as well as supporting innovative and harmonized methodologies.
The two – year project under the Equipe France Fund has been allocated Euros 288, 450 to facilitate the process.
Speaking at the launch hosted at Alliance Francaise de Kampala (AFK), Eric Touze, director said the project has given him the opportunity to practice his original job as a professional teacher some time back and it brings those enjoyable moments.
He noted that they are working on the methods, class sequences, inclusivity and it will necessitate the mapping of the language in the whole of Uganda with the involvement of teachers which is going to be a great engagement.
Touze stressed that they will conduct trainings in pedagogical for secondary teachers with emphasis on common European Framework of Reference for languages ( CEFR), Practical DELF Exams application, building sessions according to CEFR Requirements, Gender Issues and Inclusiveness inorder to create a virtuous circle of trainers of trainees, organise French activities in schools and also produce podcasts and video capsules documenting the profile of French in the Country.
The President of Association of Teachers of French in Uganda ( APFO), Agatha Tumwine thanked the French Embassy for the support in regards to enhancing their profession and advancement of the language across the nation.
” This marks the first activity and the next training, the teachers will share their knowledge attained so that others can benefit. We have 13 regions that include ; Arua, Nebi, Kisoro, Gulu, Lira, Mbale, Mbarara,Masaka, Masindi, Kasese, Jinja, Mukono, Kampala A & B and the main aim will be on the new curriculum.
We are also holding holidays camps and intend to start with Seeta High School , carry out trainings in Kasese, Gulu, West Nile and Eastern Uganda” Tumwine added.
She also encouraged the audience to take on French since the world is becoming a global village and regional integration is here to stay.
His Excellency Xavier Sticker, the French Ambassador to Uganda advised them to make the experience of learning French too lively so that the learners can enjoy.
Sticker assured them of their commitment and support from the Embassy since French language is a tool for building Friendship in Uganda and Francophonie World.
