Article published on the 2009-11-24 Latest update 2009-11-24 11:51 TU
In Africa, most former French colonies have retained French as an official language. But in rural areas, where most Africans live, few people speak it - even though it is the only language spoken in class. The International Organization of the Francophonie has launched a major programme aimed at improving French teaching skills. Teachers are now encouraged to use pupils' mother tongues to help them learn French. This is a radical departure from standard practices. Until now, African languages were virtually never spoken in class. It is no longer the case in Benin, a west African country, where hundreds of teachers are now being trained to use African tongues.
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