Education Stakeholders Advocate for French Language Inclusion in CBC.
Education stakeholders in Nairobi County have urged the government to incorporate French as a subject within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Their appeal emphasizes the potential benefits of adding French to the education system, which could enhance academic diversity and open global opportunities for Kenyan students.
During a French symposium held in Buruburu, which brought together schools from various parts of the country, educators highlighted the significance of including French in the curriculum.
They asserted that the language would enrich Kenya’s education framework and equip students with skills that could boost their global competitiveness.
Addressing the press on Saturday, March 8, French teachers stressed the growing importance of multilingualism.
They pointed out that proficiency in French offers advantages in diplomacy, international business, and cultural exchange. Additionally, they emphasized that learning the language would facilitate job opportunities abroad, particularly in French-speaking nations, by easing communication and integration.
One of the teachers, Jackson Bukachi, noted that French plays a crucial role in career advancement. He stated that after evaluating the language on a national scale, stakeholders recognized its relevance in job creation.
He also underscored the necessity of embracing French to assist leaders and professionals aspiring to work in Francophone countries.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Educationist Wyckliffe Nangabo echoed these sentiments, advocating for bilingualism as a means of overcoming international communication barriers.
He remarked that the ability to speak French not only fosters cultural diversity but also enhances global interactions.
Nangabo further emphasized that with French being widely spoken across the world, it would be beneficial for Kenyan learners to gain proficiency in the language.
Despite the CBC system permitting the instruction of indigenous African languages, it currently lacks a structured framework for integrating foreign languages into schools.
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However, French remains the first foreign language taught in Kenyan institutions, with more than 40,000 students in secondary schools and 8,000 in tertiary institutions undertaking French lessons.
As the government prepares to categorize senior secondary schools based on career pathways, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Education will approve the inclusion of foreign languages in these specialized tracks.
Meanwhile, in its broader education reforms, the Ministry also intends to make mathematics and sciences mandatory subjects for all students, irrespective of their chosen career paths.
Education Stakeholders Advocate for French Language Inclusion in CBC.
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