The government of France has rolled out Equip French Fund (EFF), a €288,450 (Shs1billion) worth project aimed at enhancing the teaching of French in Uganda’s secondary schools.
Inaugurated at Alliance Francaise De Kampala (AFK), the project had been earlier submitted by the Embassy of France in Uganda.
The two-year projects is implemented by the French Embassy, AFK, and Association of Professors of French in Uganda, and aims to enhance teaching methodologies and support innovative approaches in French education.
Speaking at the launch, the Ambassador of France to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, emphasized the importance of the project not only in supporting French teaching in Uganda but also in strengthening ties between the two nations.
“This program will help the students and the teachers to also have enjoyable experience and interact, and also build friendship between our two nations and many other things.” Ambassador Sticker said.
He applauded the French government for approving the program, and expressed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s educational sector.
Eric Touzé, the AFK director, outlined the goals of the project, including improving French teaching practices and teacher training in Uganda.
He observed that during the project, AFK will work on three aspects including; Training of secondary school teachers in pedagogical teaching methods and training French teachers at the Alliance Française de Kampala under the themes; Introduction to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) DELF exams / Practical application.
He further noted that during the programme, there will be building a session according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) requirements.
Gender issues and inclusivity.
“We will send people to the provinces to organise and continue to follow up on what we did today. We shall also produce podcasts and videos designated to map the state of funds all over Uganda during the two years of this program.” Touzé stated
“The teachers that will be trained today, afterwards will become the trainers of other teachers.” he added.
The Association of Professors of French in Uganda will also play a role in enhancing the skills of French teachers through training and organizing Francophile fun camps for students in five regions of Uganda (West Nile, North, Central, West and East).
Additionally, the association will create audiovisual teaching resources adapted to the contexts, French teachers and learners in Uganda (recording of resources).
The project launch was attended by several French teachers from different parts of the country and other dignataries.