KAMPALA– The Association of teachers of French (APFO) this last week celebrated their day at Makerere University under the theme ; Singing, Playing, Teaching; Francphonie in Music.
The half-day fete brought together lecturers, secondary teachers, students, well wishers and key stake holders to unwind as they shared the importance of the French language in the modern world and how they could make learning more appealing to the current generation.
Priscilla Lamwaka, a lecturer at Makerere University Business School in from the faculty of Tourism , Hospitality and Languages advised some of the students not to take the French language for granted because it has been able to take her to places that she did not imagine of and it has been a bridge to many connections opportunities both locally and abroad.
Prof. Milburga Atcero , Dean faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Languages at MUBs at the same time a lecturer of French noted that it was their day and they are proud of it and urged fellow teachers to appreciate it more and more.
” I have been teaching since 1994 and it is beautiful to work as a teacher.
I have seen people I have taught and very proud of them because we have touched the lives of people who have also touched others” Prof Atcero added.
This time around, it was also the official competition of the APFO Anthem which had contestants such as Jacob Bwambale , Rev. Brian Nsubuga and Patrick Masereka who emerged as the winners respectively .
Bwambale edged out his other participants because his composition was simple, direct to the point and easy to grasp by the audience according to the jury
He also received cash prizes from UPDF and APFO and other rest as a token for the efforts and resources at the same time being history makers in the records of APFO.
As one of the guests , Col .Nelson Aheebwa praised their working relationships with UPDF in very many aspects since their acts of service is closely around people they protect and communication is very key.
” My children are studying French and they are teaching me some new things that I do not know. The French language is geared towards Professionalism, Internationalism and peace and with this peace we make God happy , Ugandans ,France and the whole international space happy as well.” Aheebwa said.
Dr. Agatha Tumwine, President APFO appreciated the teachers for the great work done and all the efforts they have put in to make the learning of French fun ,easy enjoyable and possible.
” We have 13 regions and then one for universities. APFO has been in existence since 1976 and we now a registered organization promoting the learning of French for professional purposes.
We have also never had an anthem and Jacob Bwambale has been etched in our books for APFO as the legendary late George William Kakoma for the Uganda Anthem. We are also working on digital platforms and have also created a book titled “French made Easy” that is going we are launching”.Tumwine Said .
Tumwine noted that French is not a language for the France but it is now for all of us now an official language in East Africa and they we are not just educators but bridges of connection ready to change the education landscape and all other aspects.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, principal College of Humanities and Social Science, Makerere University said that she is very proud being a teacher and they are committed and open to the world of languages with French being one of them since one can survive in many countries.
The Chief Guest H.E Virginie Leroy, the French Ambassador to Uganda thanked the teachers for welcoming her to Uganda when she posted about her return to the country .
” The French language spoken in over 5 continents as a professional language and Uganda is uniquely positioned with neighbors that speak french and there are lots of opportunities. As teachers we should also be innovative and creative so that we make it easier for the new generation to embrace since they are using a lot of gadgets and phones at their disposal”.
The highlight of the day was also the launch of the of the book which aims at making the learning of French more and more simpler so that the students can appreciate it.
