28/03/2021 - The Gambia

THE FRENCH CLUB

Sr Anna N’Diaye began the French club  at St John the Baptist at Farafenni, The Gambia to assist students to develop a love of the French language

Originally Saint John the Baptist was a primary school, in September 2018 a junior secondary school was added with one level G7 – each year a further year level is added.  It now has two levels G7 and G8.  It is an English – speaking school where French is an optional subject.

When Sr Anna started teaching there as a part time teacher, she noticed a great gap in the ability of the students to speak French.  There were two classes; one the classes is composed by students who had their nursery and primary school here and were initiated in French by the sisters who were here before me. Whereas the other class is composed of students coming from other schools who never learnt French.

Sr Anna is now a full-time teacher; she discussed with the principal and students the possibility of creating the French Club.  The purpose of the French Club is to continue the good work of the Marist Sisters, to promote and encourage a love the French language and help them discover their talents and to feel at ease.   The idea was supported by the principal and welcomed by the students.

It commenced with 98 students.  Sr Anna is also working in collaboration with a primary school teacher.  The French Club has grown 270 members; 134 Junior High School students and 136 Primary school Students. 

Last year, they planned to have an immersion experience in a French- speaking country and COURS SAINTE MARIE (Senegal) where Anna had taught previously.  They were ready to host us; but unfortunately, COVID 19 occurred and changed the plan.

The French club meets twice a week in various group levels and at different times.  The students learn by having fun through songs, poems, spelling; dictation, reading, and quizzes.

They had our first ‘talent show ‘in March 2020, and it was of a great success.

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