In a context of warming diplomatic relations between France and Rwanda, interest in the French language is experiencing a revival in the country of a thousand hills. Eager to reaffirm their French-speaking heritage, Rwandan authorities have implemented new French learning programs and developed a government strategy to promote this language.
Since the abandonment of French as the language of instruction in 2008 in favor of English, the number of French speakers in Rwanda has decreased considerably. Indeed, according to the International Organization of the Francophonie, only 6% of the Rwandan population speaks French. Faced with this observation, the Rwandan government decided to act to promote the learning of the French language.
With this in mind, the International Organization of the Francophonie has deployed around fifty volunteers in different regions of the country to support French teachers and implement teaching methods adapted to Rwandan students. These volunteers share their expertise in FLE (French as a foreign language) and work closely with Rwandan teachers to fill students’ gaps and make learning French more effective.
Alongside this initiative, the Rwandan government launched a national plan for the development of French learning. The objective is to offer level tests and training to French teachers, in order to strengthen their skills and help them provide quality teaching. This plan, which benefits from the support of the Expertise France organization, aims to train all Rwandan teachers in the medium term.
This political will to promote French in Rwanda was also manifested during the International Francophonie Day, where the authorities affirmed their pride in belonging to the French-speaking community and encouraged French teachers to modernize their teaching methods. education.
For Rwanda, being both a crossroads between French-speaking and English-speaking Africa and a member country of La Francophonie represents an opportunity for economic development. By developing the learning of French, the country aims to strengthen its links with the international Francophonie and open new economic prospects.
In conclusion, Rwanda is showing a new enthusiasm for the French language, with the establishment of learning programs and a government strategy aimed at strengthening the skills of French teachers. This movement highlights the country’s desire to reintegrate the French-speaking community and to promote the French-speaking heritage within its culture and its development.