The deputy director of the French Management Centre, Ministry of Education, Mrs Mariam Yakubu, has said that for proper and sound literacy of French, it is pertinent to start at an early age.
She disclosed this at the DELF Prim and Junior graduation held at the National Universities Commission(NUC) auditorium, Maitama, Abuja.
Mrs Mariam also noted that Nigeria is surrounded by Francophone countries and the need to grasp the understanding of French is germane.
“It is important to catch them young if a grounded literacy in French is to be achieved. The DELF Prim and Junior put together by the French embassy for children and teenagers is a step in the right direction.
“Nigeria needs to be bilingual in French and English because we’re surrounded by francophone countries, it will help in strengthening bilateral relations. It is of course one of the official languages of the ECOWAS.
“The advantage it will have on children who will later become adults is that they can work in the international community. Learning French is an added advantage parents should be intentional about it.”
The DELF Prim and Junior graduated 545 students from 17 partner schools who got diplomas of recognition and motivation for children and teenagers. The DELF Prim and Junior is a certification issued by the French Ministry of Education.
Speaking at the event, the ambassador of France to Nigeria, Mrs Emmanuella Blatmann noted that it is important to promote the French language to younger people. She said:
“It is necessary we promote the French language to the younger generation. French is one of the two official languages of many international organisations, such as the United Nations, UNESCO, the European Union, NATO, the International Olympic Committee and the International Red Cross.”
Also, the head of cooperation and cultural affairs for the France embassy, Mr M. Judikael Regnaut said that it is important to learn and teach French in the best learning environment. He said: “This project has been launched because it is important to create the best learning and teaching environment for the children learning French in public schools and prepare them to be certified with a DELF diploma.”
