Alliance Franco-Gambienne and those promoting the French language and culture recently celebrated 13 days of ‘Semaine de la Francophonie’ involving schools and artists at different locations in the country.

The celebration started with a march pass involving all French clubs and schools starting from Total Petrol Station Headquarters at Bakau to Alliance Franco-Gambienne on

Gerard Chouin, head of project (PAFEG) Region 1 Education Office at Kanifing, said it was the first Francophone Day at Marina. “We are going to have 43 schools participate in the competitions,” he said. He further said that Marina was one of the schools big about French in the country. He narrated his dislike for English while in school and later found himself working in Ghana where he was faced with a language difficulty. French language, he said, is a tool that can take one anywhere. “Your teachers will broaden your horizon. We could do big things to enhance the learning of French,” he said. Gerard further said that learning a language is a challenge. “Learning French cannot be done only in classroom but outside as well,” he said.

At St. Therese Upper Basic Ndow’s Upper Basic, Cates International, Greater Banjul Upper Basic, Bakau Upper Basic, Bakoteh Upper Basic, locked horns in drama, poetry competitions ending in a win for all participating schools.

Gerard said he was in The Gambia to promote the learning and speaking of French. He encouraged all to join French societies and to enjoy French.

Meanwhile, similar competitions took place in Banjul between St. Augustine’s, St. Joseph’s and Gambia High. The competition continued between several schools at Nusrat, Kitti and at The Gambia College. The programme ended with several programmes at Alliance Franco Gambienne on the theme, “Oui, Je Parle Francais”.

In her opening speech Madam Manneh, principal for the Junior School, said the Marina family welcomes and appreciates the importance of French. She mentioned Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon as part of the importance of French. “There is a French club in Marina and around the country to show the importance of French in The Gambia.

It is important for movement, business and communication,” she said.