Telangana is embracing a new educational initiative aimed at enhancing the grooming of secondary-level students by introducing the French language into government schools. This forward-thinking program, aptly titled ‘French for All, French for a Better Future,’ is a collaborative effort between the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS), the Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TTWREIS), and the French Institute in India (IFI).
The partnership to introduce the French language into Telangana schools was formally solidified on August 30, when the involved parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The momentous event was graced by key representatives, including Dr. E Naveen Nicolas, Secretary of TSWREIS, Emmanuel Lebruns-Damiens, Director of the French Institute in India, and Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore.
A Unified Vision for Global Education
Dr. E Naveen Nicolas expressed admiration for IFI’s unwavering commitment to this unique partnership in Telangana. He noted that this collaboration aligns seamlessly with the Telangana government’s overarching objective of achieving social justice by bolstering education opportunities for students from historically marginalized communities.
Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens echoed similar sentiments, commending Telangana for its dedication to global language learning within government schools. He emphasized the significance of education as a priority in the relationship between France and India.
Consul General Thierry Berthelot underscored the immense value of this initiative for students, stating confidently, “This work will have a positive impact on the lives of the students and help them succeed in the globalized world.”
Execution of the ‘French for All’ Program
The ‘French for All, French for a Better Future’ initiative will be initially implemented in approximately 20 TSWREIS/TTWREIS-affiliated schools during its pilot phase.
As part of this collaborative effort, the French Institute (IFI) will provide comprehensive training to teachers in communicative French. Students will gain access to IFI’s cultural and academic platforms, and the institute will also organize workshops and seminars to inform them about study opportunities in France.
Advantages of French Language Learning
The advantages of incorporating French language learning into the curriculum are manifold. Students stand to benefit from improved job prospects, a greater understanding of French culture, enriched travel experiences, enhanced access to higher education institutions in France, heightened cognitive abilities, and overall personal development.
