The French Embassy, in collaboration with the Alliance Française in Harare and Bulawayo, is set to launch the ZIM-FLE program, a new initiative aimed at reinforcing the skills of French teachers across Zimbabwe.

The event, scheduled for 3rd of October, will bring together French teachers and school headmasters from all regions of the country, marking an important step in supporting language education.

The ZIM-FLE program is designed to foster a strong and sustainable network of French educators, dedicated to advancing language learning and intercultural dialogue in Zimbabwe.

With French being an official language in 29 countries and spoken by over 130 million people in Africa, the initiative aims to provide educators with the tools, training, and networks they need to strengthen their practice and inspire new generations of learners.

The program has already garnered significant interest, with 115 teachers representing 40 schools, including primary schools, colleges, high schools, language institutions, and universities, throughout the country set to participate.

This broad participation underscores the growing importance of French language education in Zimbabwe and the potential for cultural and academic exchange between Zimbabwe and French-speaking countries.

The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education, which highlights the vital role of language education in equipping students with communication skills and cultural understanding.

By supporting teacher training and networking, the ZIM-FLE program aims to enhance the quality of French language instruction in Zimbabwe, thereby opening up new opportunities for students and promoting intercultural dialogue.

The launch event in Bulawayo will feature a children’s choir performing in French, symbolizing the link between education and cultural exchange.

The ceremony will also bring together key stakeholders, including H.E. Paul-Bertrand Barets, Ambassador of France to Zimbabwe, Fanny Gauthier, Director of Alliance Française Harare, and Guillaume Ripaud, Director Alliance Française Bulawayo.

The Ambassador of France to Zimbabwe, H.E. Paul-Bertrand Barets, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “The launch of the ZIM-FLE program reflects France’s enduring commitment to education and cultural cooperation in Zimbabwe.

“By supporting teacher training and networking, we reaffirm our belief that the French language is a gateway to new academic and professional opportunities for Zimbabwean youth.”

Fanny Gauthier, Director of Alliance Française Harare, added, “With the national ZIM-FLE program – Together for French, we are taking a decisive step for the future of French teaching in Zimbabwe. This initiative brings together teachers, institutions, and partners around a shared ambition: to provide educators with the tools, training, and networks they need to strengthen their practice and inspire new generations of learners.”

Guillaume Ripaud, Director Alliance Française Bulawayo, noted that the program will bring teachers together, strengthen their skills, and open new opportunities for students, building a strong and lasting national network.

“In Bulawayo and beyond, it will bring teachers together, strengthen their skills, and open new opportunities for students. It is a unique chance to build a strong and lasting national network.”

The ZIM-FLE program is a timely and meaningful contribution to language education in Zimbabwe, and its launch marks an important milestone in the country’s cultural and educational landscape. As Zimbabwean students gain proficiency in French, they will have access to a broader range of academic and professional opportunities, both within Africa and globally. The program will not only enhance the quality of French language instruction but also promote cultural exchange and understanding between Zimbabwe and French-speaking countries.

By fostering a strong network of French educators and providing them with the necessary tools and training, the ZIM-FLE program will play a crucial role in shaping the future of French language education in Zimbabwe.

As the program moves forward, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s educational system, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.