The visit by French Diplomat, Ms. Léa Laouaf, an officer of Education and French to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is set to boost the partnership and the French Embassy and the institution. On 14th June 2024, hosted Ms. Laouaf, during an official visit with the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai. The meeting was attended by key faculty members from MMUST’s School of Arts and Social Sciences- Department of Language |and Literature Education. Discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between MMUST and the French Embassy, promoting French language education in the region, and exploring global career opportunities for students proficient in French.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Prof. Charles Mutai expressed delight at Ms. Laouaf’s visit to the University and acknowledged the support from the French Embassy. He pledged the University’s commitment to supporting French-based initiatives and activities at MMUST, adding that despite the increasing number of French-speaking countries in Africa, challenges still arise in adopting foreign languages in Kenya. Prof. Mutai urged the Department of Language and Literature Education- French, to initiate evening French classes for interested individuals, expanding the program beyond the regular undergraduate and postgraduate offerings.
Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai makes a point at the meeting.
“Universities should strive for 20% uniqueness. I encourage you to integrate French into as many curriculums as possible. We can pilot this initiative with the School of Arts and Social Sciences and eventually expand it to the entire University,” Prof. Mutai proposed. Additionally, he advocated for summer programs targeting primary and secondary students to promote early French language skills acquisition.
Ms. Laouaf revealed that the Embassy is actively addressing challenges related to the low number of candidates willing to travel to Africa to support teaching of French. She noted a preference among many for positions in the United Kingdom and the United States, a situation which has posed difficulties in recruiting French lecturers to Kenya. She proposed that both institutions explore internship opportunities to reinforce French language education.
French Diplomat, Ms. Léa Laouaf speaks during her visit to MMUST.
“French is a language of instruction across East Africa and a crucial tool for diplomacy and global career opportunities. I invite students to the upcoming United Nations French Day in Nairobi next March, an event that will showcase employment prospects to current and prospective French learners. While many associate French solely with France, it opens doors worldwide in the job market. I urge you to embrace the global reach of French and stand out internationally,” advised Ms. Laouaf.
Prof. Isidore Muteba Kazadi, Coordinator of French Programs and Manager of the MMUST French Resource Centre, commended MMUST for being the leading University in the country with 156 students enrolled in the French program. He highlighted this achievement, noting that it is a testament to the University’s commitment to language education.
Veteran Professor of French and Coordinator of French Programs at MMUST- Prof. Isidore Muteba Kazadi explains a point during the meeting with French Diplomat, Ms. Léa Laouaf.
Commenting on the status of student exchange programs facilitated by the French Embassy, the Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences- Dr. Rose Auma, announced that MMUST will be sending its 6th cohort of students to various Universities in France for a 7-month exchange program in September. She expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s support and highlighted the benefits of such international exposure for the students.
Dr. Auma requested for reciprocal exchanges to bring French lecturers to MMUST. She emphasized that their presence would greatly support MMUST faculty in teaching and enriching the students’ learning experience. Other MMUST staff present at the meeting were Dr. Joyce Kasili, and Dr. David Wanina.
Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences- Dr. Rose Auma (Seated, left), Dr. Joyce Kasili, and Dr. David Wanina at the meeting with French Diplomat, Ms. Léa Laouaf.
During the meeting, concerns were raised that although French is included in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), it is not currently being evaluated. Lecturers emphasized that this lack of evaluation jeopardizes the language’s future and the numerous opportunities it offers, as evaluation motivates learners to excel in their studies. The meeting resolved that MMUST, alongside other stakeholders, will actively pursue this issue to ensure that French receives the recognition it deserves and that curriculum developers prioritize French at the CBC level.
It is worth noting that MMUST has enjoyed substantial benefits from its close partnership with the French Embassy, including the establishment and equipping of a French Resource Center on campus. This facility comprises of computers, television, a home theatre, a projector, and a mini-library. The collaboration with the French Embassy extends beyond language initiatives; they have also collaborated with MMUST’s School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, and Technology, as well as the School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology (SPHBST).
By Caren Nekesa and Mitchelle Masimane
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
