Bulawayo Trust and Alliance Française commit to French education for children

ALLIANCE Française de Bulawayo and Mould Them Young Africa (MTY) Trust have joined forces to introduce French language instruction to children in Zimbabwe by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership enables young people to develop vital language communication skills and access a wider range of academic and professional opportunities.

MTY Trust empowers young minds by promoting creative learning methodologies, enabling them to reach their full academic, social, emotional and physical potential.

At the heart of this partnership lies a deep-seated belief in every child’s potential to become a catalyst for positive change in their communities and beyond.

“This journey with Alliance Française of Bulawayo is about celebrating the rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural diversity that defines Zimbabwe and the broader African continent. Encouraging children to explore new languages and cultures, fosters an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated and mutual understanding flourishes.

“Proficiency in multiple languages has become indispensable in an increasingly interconnected world. By mastering French, students will not only enhance their communication skills, but also broaden their horizons, paving the way for future success on the global stage.

“At the heart of this partnership lies a deep-seated belief in every child’s potential to become a catalyst for positive change in their communities and beyond. By investing in their education and linguistic development, the Alliance Française of Bulawayo and MTY Trust seeks to empower the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to shape a brighter future for themselves and their society,” said MTY Trust founder and executive director, Phathisiwe Ngwenya.

“We currently support over 50 children across homes, ECD centres and peri-urban areas. However, our goal is to reach over 100 children between the ages of 4 and 12 in these target areas.

“We believe that all children have potential and that all children are an important resource today and tomorrow for the continued existence of strong and resilient communities. We empower them to use their hands to work and produce. We also encourage them to open their hearts to be compassionate, and we also encourage them to know that their health is crucial so they need to ensure that they live healthy lives. So four Hs — head, hands, heart and health skills are our essential focus areas.”

Guillaume Ripaud, head of office for Alliance Française de Bulawayo, called it a significant milestone on the path to educational equity and empowerment in Bulawayo and beyond.

“By joining forces to promote French language education in Bulawayo, we are breaking down barriers and opening doors of opportunity for countless children in need. As these young learners embark on their linguistic journey, they carry with them the promise of a brighter, more connected future, where language is no longer a barrier, but a bridge to endless possibilities,” he said.