Celebrating francophone black history

October is Black History Month. French – speaking African groups in London will be making their contribution. At the St John At Hackney Church on Saturday 9th October, community education project 'Mind Your Language' will launch its first workbook for use in schools “ Global French Series: Pupil’s Workbook 1” The launch will take place during an event organised by an affiliated local charity “Nous Aussi” to celebrate Black History from a francophone perspective.

The workbook teaches French at key stage 2, and enables pupils to learn about the diverse cultures of Francophone people across the world. It helps with geography too. The approach used is consistent with the learning goals set by both the Department for Education & Skills, and the Department for International Development for children growing up in a global society.

'Mind Your Language' has been offering classes, summer schools, clubs since 2005, working principally in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Lewisham. MYL's Director, Kemi Akinruli, has also introduced the 'learn the language, enjoy the culture' concept in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria, her homeland.

Kemi says “We started 'Mind your language' to enthuse children about learning languages, and to make it as much fun as possible. Our experience of running classes and clubs has lead to the development of this Pupils Workbook, and we hope the Global French Series will be the beginning of a new adventure in intercultural understanding.

Revd Rob Wickham, Rector of Hackney, writes in his Foreword to the Work Book: “I have watched with admiration and delight the development of Mind Your Language, as it increased its range of cross-cultural exchanges, teacher development and school support.’Mind Your Language' is a good local example of social enterprise; an imaginative approach to teaching and learning, leading both community and economic development

“Ms Kemi Akinruli, the author of this course travels extensively across both Europe and Western Africa. Kemi uses her understanding of the Francophone community to enable readers to experience new cultures in the classroom, but also for the Francophone community to be empowered and armed to celebrate their cultures in the midst of a Global city”

Contacts: 0208 985 9100
Email: admin@myl-frenchclubs.co.uk
Web: www.myl-frenchclubs.co.uk