Puseletso Lephatsa
MASERU — The French Embassy on Wednesday handed over 3 000 textbooks to Education Minister ’Makabelo Mosothoane to boost the teaching of French in schools. The donation included books to guide teachers on how to teach the language. Speaking at the handover ceremony in Maseru, French Embassy acting Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Actions, Pierre Lemonde, said the textbooks were for senior secondary education level one and two.
The books will be distributed to 11 schools that are offering French classes. Some of the schools include Soofia English Medium School in Butha-Buthe, Nulis High School in Roma and Pope John High School. “Last year, 3 000 textbooks were handed over for Form A students, and this year, 3 000 textbooks are to be used in the senior second education in Form D,” Pierre said. He said the books will enhance students’ knowledge of French. “With qualifications in French one’s career can be in translation and interpretation, teaching in schools and universities, tourism, diplomatic services and more,” he
said.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Mosothoane said three schools — Soofia English Medium School, Nulis High School and Pope John High School – put the books to good use and outperformed the rest of the schools and attained high marks in French language last year. “Last year, out of 11 schools studying French, three schools namely, Soofia English Medium School, Nulis High School and Pope John High School, outperformed all other schools attaining a 100 percent mark in French language, seven schools managed to get results of 92 percent and one school had a 20 percent mark,” Mosothoane said.
Camille Perdereau, Director of Alliance Francaise, said 21 000 students were currently studying French in 200 high schools in South Africa and Lesotho. At least 513 students sat for international Junior Certificate examinations in 2010.
The French Embassy said the donation was part of France’s cooperation with Africa adding the donation seeks to strengthen the relationship between France and French speaking countries worldwide.
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