Rwandan is considering promoting the French language at all Education levels, a senior Government official announced Monday as the East African country joined the rest of the World in the celebration of the International Day of La Francophonie on March 20.
Rwanda’s minister of Education Valentine Uwamariya said that the initiative, known as National Plan for the Teaching and Learning of French in Rwanda (Plan National Pour L’enseignement – Apprentissage du Français au Rwanda), aims to teach French at all levels of education, from primary school to university.
The project will cost Euros 10 million, with 60 per cent of funding coming from the French Development Agency (Agence française de développement), 25 per cent from the ministry, 5 per cent from the Embassy of France in Rwanda, and 10 per cent from other different partners (currently not specified), said the Minister.
The senior Government officials said the new Plan also focuses on Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) with the help of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) volunteers.
She emphasized that it also aims to refurbish the pedagogical approaches of teachers being trained, as well as those who are already working, to better teach French language.
With the aim to modernize teaching methods, Rwanda emphasizes to make French a practical tool for communication in international exchange contexts and encouraged French teachers to develop innovative teaching practices that cater to the specific needs of foreign language learners.
The International Day of La Francophonie is celebrated around the world, in French-speaking countries but also in those where the French language is less widespread. This year, the day celebrates Francophone cultural creation, its diversity, but also the need to promote its online access: its “discoverability”.
Speaking at the occasion the French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré, stressed the importance of the French language as a connection between France and Rwanda, and stressed the need to strengthen this link.
He also expressed his conviction that multilingualism is a great opportunity for Rwanda.
As Rwanda aspires to become a crossroads between English-speaking and French-speaking Africa, the Ambassador noted that while English is the language of instruction, French remains useful, particularly given the complicated relations with neighbouring country, DR Congo.
“Rwanda has no choice but to maintain a long-term relationship with the DRC, and that French can facilitate exchanges, communication, and peace,” the French diplomat said
To support this initiative, the government is focusing on improving the pedagogical capacities of French teachers in Rwanda.
CU/abj/APA