Pader hosts Acholi francophonie celebrations at Archbishop Flynn SS

6 April 2025, 08:30

Pader District – Sunday, April 6, 2025

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The main hall of Archbishop Flynn Secondary School in Pader district was a vibrant scene on Saturday, 5th April, as students and educators gathered to celebrate Francophonie Month, recognising the global influence of the French language and Francophone culture.

The celebration was organised as part of the regional festivities for the Acholi Sub Region, bringing together key figures in education, learners, and French language advocates.

This event forms part of a broader nationwide celebration held every March and early April, coordinated by the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Alliance Française Kampala, the International French School of Kampala, and the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO).

Among the dignitaries present was Felix Urom Cengmoko, the Regional Coordinator of the French Teachers Association in Uganda (APFO), who applauded Archbishop Flynn Secondary School for hosting the regional celebration and championing French education in Northern Uganda. “French is a bridge not just between people, but between opportunities. It’s empowering to see this level of commitment from both students and educators,” he said.

He also provides learning materials for both O’ and A’ level students studying French, encouraging them to use ICT tools to enhance their learning through the internet.

Rose Filder Lalam, the Assistant District Education Officer in charge of Guidance and Counselling, emphasised the importance of foreign language education in today’s interconnected world. She praised the school’s French department for their consistency and professionalism, specifically recognising Mr Piurac Jalusene Eugene, who holds a C1 proficiency level in French, and Mr Kakule Jonathan Mukara, who holds a B2 level, for their collective effort in equipping learners with valuable language skills.

“Such dedication is what makes this school a model in the region,” she said. “The proficiency of our teachers shows that we are not only teaching French, we are building a foundation for excellence in global communication.” However, she appealed for greater support and motivation for both the learners and the school to help promote the French language in other schools.

Filip Okidi, Deputy Headteacher and Head of Academics at Archbishop Flynn, praised the school community for their dedication to language learning. “What we witnessed today is a celebration of diversity, learning, and cultural pride. Our students are growing into global citizens,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Opio Donald, Chairperson of the French Club at Archbishop Flynn, extended a warm welcome to the guests. “We are honoured to host this regional event. I thank my fellow students for choosing French as a language worth learning. It’s not just a subject; it’s our gateway to the world,” he said proudly.

The event featured a rich display of talent, including French poetry, skits, and dance with French narration, creatively merging local culture with Francophone expressions.

However, while the celebration marked a milestone for French learning in the region, some schools, including Hope Secondary School, East Africa Institute Gulu, Kirendo Primary School, and others, were unable to attend due to logistical challenges. Organisers expressed hope that future events will accommodate broader participation across the region.

With French being spoken by over 320 million people globally, especially across Africa, Francophonie Month remains a powerful platform for promoting language learning, cultural exchange, and regional unity.

As the curtain fell on Saturday, 5th April 2025, the message was clear: French is not just a foreign language—it’s a future full of possibilities for Uganda’s youth.