KAMPALA– Knowing an extra international language is a skill that one should embrace if they are to effectively communicate and compete on the global scene.
The Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (Apfo) with support from French Embassy and Alliance Francaise de Kampala ( AFK) has kicked off the Trainings of Trainers at Makerere University Business School on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Ultimately, the training of trainers will focus on the new lower competence based curriculum with practical approaches to situations for three days.
In her Opening remarks, Prof. Milburga Atcero, a national trainer of the French language in Uganda and former president Apfo encouraged us to embrace French and not to consider it as a foreign language but also one that is used by our neighbours.
“French is the third spoken in the whole world. I’m happy as the national trainer because this initiative is very good and I thank the French Embassy for having supported us to get the grant for the training since you all know they are financially costly”‘ added Prof. Milburga
She urged the teachers to have the thirst for growth so that they can take on authoritative positions through taking on more trainings which will grow their careers and professions too, adding that we should also learn to be multilingual and co- exist as a tool of communication and working together in business, tourism, agriculture and othere with minimal difficulties.
Dr. Agatha Tumwine, President Apfo, welcomed all the 13 regions that were represented and thanked them for making it possible for the trainings.
“Some of you travelled thought the night and others reached Kampala as early as 1:00 am. That is a good spirit which you exhibited and this an encouragement that you are going to change the teaching landscape of French in Uganda.
We shall have online sessions regarding digital enhancement , Inclusion, competence based and all other relevant forms to keep us to speed with the new teaching trends” Dr.Tumwine added.
She implored the teachers to be ambassadors of the language so that the rest of the people and most especially the students to embrace through conducting very fun and educative approaches that are easily understandable.
Dr. Tumwine also reminded the teachers about the forth coming 11th International Congress of French Teachers across the Indian Ocean that will be hosted in Uganda from July , 22-26 that is expected to have over 500 participants and that it will be a great opportunity for them and Uganda at large.
The Director, Alliance Francaise de Kampala ( AFK ), Eric Touze emphasized that all languages are equal in dignity but it is good to learn very many and be able to communicate with others.
“Today we are running the project and it is aimed at increasing the use of French at the same time also harmonise with the new curriculum. We had our first engagement at AFK and spoke about Inclusion, building teaching sessions in dynamic world and by 2026 we expect to have a team of teachers who will pass over this knowledge” Touze explained
Maria Agaba, from Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board ( UBTEB) hailed the French Embassy for their contribution which is very crucial in the hospitality and Tourism sector and are promised to keep their collaboration intact.
On the other hand, she request them to consider sign language as well as one of their projects in the Tertiary Institutions.
The Trainings had representative from National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda National Examination Board, UBTEB, Ministry of Education and Sports, French Embassy in Uganda and many others.
