JINJA – From Friday, 1st- 6th May over 100 students from the regions of Busoga, Bukedi and Elgon region converged at MM Wairaka College in Jinja for the CALUFU.
It was organized by Association of Teachers of French in Uganda ( APFO ) in partnership with Alliance Francaise de Kampala, Lapaire and the French Embassy in Uganda.
Under the FEF program, the camp run under the theme ” Apprenez et S’amuser ” meaning learning while having fun.
The Camp diligently stuck to its focus and the participants were immersed in numerous activities in regards to the normal life out there such as ; fashion and design, sports, entertainment, cookery to enable them learn in those areas.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Byafisi Geoffrey, head master, MM Wairaka College thanked the schools for attending with over 70 students before he said ” bonjour” for the first time.
” We live with the language, you came as students but leave as ambassadors of French. Let us speak the language and not end it here, let us excel and most importantly behave.
When you go back, share our greetings to the teachers and the team that made it possible for your coming.” Byafisi said
The Representative from Alliance Francaise de Kampala , Ross Patrick Azogbonon, courses coordinator advised the students that their next step should be certification by doing DELF so that they are recognized internationally.
The President Association of Teachers of French , Dr. Agatha Tumwine noted that they have had CALUFU in different regions and thanked all those that have been apart of it.
” We are teaching learners to appreciate language as a skill and advocate for multilingualism with local languages, culture , internationalism, we want our students who are able to work any where without restrictions in all the different spheres of life”. Dr.Agatha Tumwine. added.
On behalf of the French Embassy and the Uganda National Curriculum , Frantz Sidi Ami , noted that they are looking at French with focus on specifics in tourism, business, medicine, agriculture and others, adding that they are also looking for resources so that learners can get learning and reading materials.
Mr. Godfrey Baliraine, Senior Education Officer in Jinja district , who represented the the District Education Officer delightedly said that he came here as a total illiterate in French but I can now say ” Bonjour “.
He also added that he used to love before joining Secondary but he was unfortunate that it was not offered.
” We have students from Busoga, Elgon Bukedi and you must be special people because every one is not here.
We thank the parents , students and we can not take you for granted .
Take on this language not only for academics because you stand a chance in business and other fields as you have been able to listen to the testimonies here”. Baliraine Added.
Baliraine stressed that they should not look at French language and education as a normal and small achievement because it is broader and goes beyond what they see.
