Alliance Francaise Kampala , working in partnership with French Embassy and other partners, on Friday awarded Schools and students which outshined the others in French Competitions entitled “Njogera Francaise”
This initiative dubbed Njogera was established to boost study and career opportunities to French learning students across the country.
Louise Bay , the Cooperation Attache at French Embassy in Kampala, on representing the Ambassador at this event, described the ceremony as a significant event for celebrating the vibrant and inspiring relationship between Uganda and the French-speaking world.
“The Njogera Français competition is not only an opportunity to recognize and reward the outstanding achievements of students and teachers in learning French, but also a powerful reminder of the values that unite us across borders.”
She added that , the ceremony is so significant especially during this Francophonie month (March) when the world not only honor just the French language, but also the cultural and historical ties that bind everyone to the broader Francophone world.
Evelyn Ageyo a representative from CFAO , one of the sponsors of this initiative, encouraged all students in the country to atleast to take on one international language if they are to fit in the current world job market.
Agatha Tumwine, the President of for the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), commended Alliance Francaise for providing such opportunities for young people to show case their skills in French.
“I believe this Njogera Francaise motivates both the students and teachers. I request our dear sponsors and the Embassy to think about motivating the teachers who put in much effort to prepare learners for such events.”
She promised that as an Association, they are working towards ensuring that French is taught in all schools country wide.
Kasanda Alfred Mary , a Student of form 5 physical, at Seeta High school (Mukono Campus) who was among the winners, revealed that this achievement has inspired her to take on French even after High School.
“As everything is , taking up French is not easy at the beginning, but once you put in much effort and get used to the words, it becomes so interesting.”
She thanked her teachers who have always encouraged them to participate in such competitions wherever an opportunity arises.
Monica Ashaba , a French Teacher at Aghakhan Primary School (National section), she based their success to hard work, patience and faith.
“We do a lot of practices with children strengthen their skills in listening, spoken , reading and writing of French. Wherever am teaching, I put into consideration that they don’t usually use the language at home, so I give them practical activities make them familiar with the use of words and pronunciations.” She added
The winners who were from ; Seeta High school, Aga Khan Primary School, Galaxy International, Hill side Nursery and Primary, Ambrosoli International school, SMACK and Kisubi Seminary walked away with tablets , Certificates , Laptop computers for their schools as well as other prizes.
A total of 22 schools participated in the Njogera Français program for the year 2024. These included; six primary schools and 16 secondary schools.
Statistics indicate that the number of students participating in this initiative increased from 780 in 2023 to 823 in 2024, with girls taking the lion share of 60%.
