Adopt international languages like French; they will widen your opportunities
Kabale University has celebrated the International Francophone Day 2023, today at the KAB main campus in Kikungiri. Led by the KAB Institute of Languages, the celebration was conducted under the theme ‘French at all times’.
Presiding over the function, the Deputy Mayor Kabale Municipality, Mrs. Kedress Mutabazi noted that people in Uganda should embrace the study of French and other international languages because her neighbors like Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda had the same as their official language.
“We recognize the importance of French as an international language and the second major language in the East African Community”, she said. Mrs. Mutabaazi further commended KAB for having established the French language as one of the courses at the university. She commended the relationship that exists between the Municipality and KAB and pledged continued support from the Municipality leaders.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Kwesiga noted that KAB recognizes the importance of languages in the globalized world. She commended the relationship between the University and the French Embassy, and noted that 3 French Ambassadors had visited KAB. She called on the President of the French Teachers Association in Uganda, Dr. Agatha Tumwiine to engage proprietors and headteachers of secondary and primary schools to have their schools teach French.
The Director of the Institute of Languages Dr. David Majariwa noted that language is a soft skill that can widen the scope of one’s employment opportunities. He further appreciated the French Embassy for supporting the Department of French at KAB. “We have received funding from the Embassy for our students and staff to do proficiency courses in French”, he added.
During the function, students of other departments who do French showcased projects they are working on. A group of students from the Tourism department cooked a French delicacy called , while Engineering students showcased a map of KAB which shows how someone coming to the University for the first time can access different places and offices.
The function was graced by the President of the French Teachers Association, Dr. Agatha Turinawe, the Head of the Department of French at KAB, Prof. Abubakar Kateregga, other invited guests, members of staff and students of Kabale University.
The Francophone week is celebrated every year from 17th to 25th March. La Francophonie, celebrated on 20th March is aimed at recognizing the potential of language and culture to unite people, to create spaces of solidarity and mutual understanding, and to reflect together on common future.
According to UNESCO, March 20th was chosen to celebrate the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) that was born on March 20, 1970 in Niamey, Niger. This agency marks the first step towards Francophone cooperation, which become the International Organization of La Francophonie.
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