Sabahans may get the best of France here
Published on: Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Penampang: There is a lot more to the French than just their tongue-twisting food names in restaurant menus and Sabahans may get to appreciate the best of their country on home soil.Alliance Française, a unique association that aims to promote both the French language and culture, may spread its wings to Sabah if the intention is realised.Founded in Paris in 1884 and state-approved in France since 1886, Alliance Française is a non-profit organisation that gives opportunity to anyone to learn the French language and enjoy the French exciting culture.
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It is currently a huge global network of more than 1,000 centres established in more than 130 countries. In Malaysia, it has already established a centre each in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.According to Nicolas Gouletquer, head of Department of Education in the Embassy of France in Malaysia, the project idea had been talked about with the Kota Kinabalu City Mayor but other basic requirements would still need to be explored further before this could happen."We met the Mayor of KK a month ago. (But) we need sponsors and donors since it's a non-profit organisation," he said when attending a French Immersion @ Borneo Programme held at SM St Michael, here, Tuesday.
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Aside from being a non-profit body, Alliance Française is also autonomous and non-political."It's very interesting because the board is usually made up of local individuals from various backgrounds," he said.
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Gouletquer explained that the promotion of the French language and culture all over the world is close to the heart of the French Government and people for through them they contribute in building international solidarity."I believe by learning a new language, we can have a better understanding of other cultures. And I think this helps us as we try to build bridges and a better world," he said, adding that the existing centres in the other two States have organised many programmes and activities to give locals an appreciation of France's rich cultures.France has been a centre of Western cultural development for centuries and many of its artists have been among the most renowned of their time. The country is still recognised in the world for its rich cultural tradition.Its contemporary cultures are equally fascinating and many of them from entertainment, fashion, food, arts and sports to name a few have long been in the consciousness of the local population.On Tuesday's event, Gouletquer said it was the first immersion programme that brought together all the schools in Sabah that have a French language lesson for students.The participating schools were SM St Michael, which hosted the event, SMK Sanzac, SM Sains Labuan, SM Sains Lahad Datu, SM Sains Kota Kinabalu and SMK Elopura. Also present were SM St Michael's Principal Jennifer Asing and the District Assistant Education Officer Daynel Petrus.He said 13,060 students from 85 public secondary schools in Malaysia are learning the French language and was pleased to learn that the number has doubled in the last five years.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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