BONJOUR BYO: Kids shine as French opens doors to the world

Mthokozisi Ncube

“BONJOUR! Ça va?” (Hello! How are you?)
That was the sound echoing through Bulawayo Large City Hall on Friday last week even before the ceremony began — young learners confidently greeting each other in fluent French, laughing, smiling and showing off a skill that is fast opening doors beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.

The air outside the hall wasn’t just filled with the usual city noise — it was magnifique!
Dressed smartly and brimming with excitement, the children turned the usually formal venue into a lively celebration of language, culture and BIG dreams.

For these youngsters, it was more than just a graduation — it was a moment of pride, growth and a glimpse into a global future.

A total of 127 learners were awarded the internationally recognised Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) certificates on Friday last week, marking a major milestone in their academic journeys.

Among the beaming graduates was Mondlwethu Mpofu from Fairview Adventist Primary School, who could not hide his excitement.

“I have learnt so much through this programme, especially improving my French speaking and understanding. I am thankful for the support that gave us access to such opportunities,” he said.

Babongile Msipha from Tshebetshebe Elementary School said learning French had opened her eyes to a bigger world.

“This programme has helped me realise that learning another language connects us to people from different countries. It made learning enjoyable and meaningful,” she said.

For Nkosenhle Khumalo, also from Fairview Adventist Primary School, the journey was about confidence.
“I am grateful for the opportunity. It has helped me gain confidence in speaking French and showed me that I can achieve more with the right support,” he said.

Their stories tell of a powerful shift — where young learners are no longer limited by borders, but are stepping boldly into global spaces.

Deputy Provincial Education Director for Bulawayo province Thulani Sibanda, who was one of the guest speakers said language education is a key driver of national development.

“Language is the foundation of communication, and communication is the engine of opportunity.

“By learning French, these learners are being equipped with a skill that allows them to engage across borders in trade, diplomacy and international relations,” he said.

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart said the programme is changing lives.
“Language is a bridge that connects people, cultures and economies. This initiative has opened doors for children, giving them access to opportunities that were previously out of reach,” he said.

Alliance Française de Bulawayo director, Guillaume Ripaud, said the Delf certificate places the learners on a global platform.

“This is not a local examination, but an international diploma written by candidates in cities such as New York, New Delhi and Tokyo,” he said.

Behind the success is Fletech Institute Trust, a pioneering organisation driving language education and skills development in Zimbabwe.

The institute offers a wide range of foreign languages, including French, Mandarin and Spanish, alongside local languages such as isiNdebele, Shona and Tonga — helping learners connect both locally and globally.
Its programmes cater for learners from Early Childhood Development up to Advanced Level, in line with the Heritage-Based Curriculum.

Director and co-founder Bevy Tatenda Zinyengere said the results speak for themselves.

“We have recorded significant improvement, with pass rates rising from 68 percent to 97 percent this year,” she said.
She added that the programme enhances language proficiency, boosts confidence and gives learners internationally recognised certification that improves their academic and career prospects.

As the ceremony wrapped up, one thing was clear — these were not just children with certificates.
They were confident, multilingual young Zimbabweans ready to take on the world.

And judging by the cheerful au revoirs (Goodbye) and merci beaucoups (Thank you very much) filling the hall, the future is not just bright — it’s global.

As the ceremony ended, it was clear, these kids are no longer just Bulawayo learners — they are global citizens.