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Scrapbook PageFrancofête 2005: Vive la Diversité
by Nancy Silander
Storrs, CT – May 26, 2005 – Vive la Diversité! was the theme at the first French Day – Francofête - held on Thursday, May 26. Over 150 French students from Connecticut high schools convened at the University of Connecticut at Storrs to celebrate French language and culture from around the world. All of the day’s events were in French.
The Opening Ceremony set the tone for the day. “Ambassadors” and flag bearers from each school presented a flag, artifact and information about their Francophone country such as Morocco or Burundi. Dr. Raouf Mama, a world-renowned bilingual storyteller from Bénin and currently a professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University, entertained students in French with tales from his native country.
After the Opening Ceremony, students attended a variety of workshops that highlighted the diverse, art, music, sporting events, and cuisine of French speaking countries and regions. Activities included African Masks, French Songs, French Board Games and African Drumming. The workshop on French cuisine included specialties from France, Quebec and Haiti. Students competed in team athletic contests with French themes, including pétanque, Paris-Dakar and waiter races. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers alike to participate in the French community of Connecticut and to experience the diversity of the French culture.
French day is organized and led by teachers and professionals who are members of various French organizations around the state: The Alliance Française, the American Association of Teachers of French, The Connecticut Council of Language Teachers and the Resource Center for the Teaching of French at Yale. One of the goals of this day is to encourage the study of French at the high school and university level. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers alike to participate in the French community of Connecticut and to experience the diversity of French culture. For further information contact Nancy Silander, French Day Coordinator, 860-487-0877 or nsilander@eosmith.org.