The University of Cape Coast Basic School in collaboration with the Department of French in the University has launched the 2024 exchange programme for students aged 7 to 18 years.
The programme, initiated in 2016 through the university’s outreach programme, aims to introduce early bilingualism in basic school children through the blend of language and school curriculum.
Speaking on ATL FM’s ATLANTIC WAVE, the Headteacher of the University Basic School, North Campus, Mr. Victor Fiifi Addison indicated that the exchange programme has grown exponentially with many expressing interest in joining the programme.
He explained that in 2018, the program began with Kulumier and Canadian international participants. Since then, it has expanded significantly, with schools in Togo expressing interest in joining. Similarly, schools in Ivory Coast also seek to participate.
Over the previous year, an exchange took place, hosting students from Ivory Coast and reciprocating with a visit.
“We have the homestay where students live with parents and we are looking at another scenario where we will have the SHS students joining in and then we will put them in the university halls when the university is on recess to broaden the base because a lot more people would like to come,” he continued.
The Vice Dean Faculty of Arts and the head of the Department of French, Prof. Mawuloe Kodah explained that the exchange programme is beneficial because of the flexibility in the learning process allowing many children to study various languages.
He, however, noted that the most effective way to integrate individuals is through social activities using a linguistic approach, especially when starting early with children.
“Therefore, when you create the opportunity for our children to go to the francophone countries, they pick the language in the natural environment through the various activities that Mr. Addison earlier indicated. Therefore, they are not kept in a classroom where they are under pressure to learn, but they pick it naturally and it is easier that way.”
On her part, the headmistress of University Junior High School, Mrs. Eleanor Efua Onyame appealed to parents and guardians to be receptive and cooperative towards children who are involved in the exchange programme.
To her, parents need to avail themselves to be host parents to foreign students when they arrive in Ghana.
Some students who participated in last year’s exchange program shared their delightful experiences during the exchange programme in Abidjan.
One said “Following a warm reception at Pell Augustine Planck school, I embraced the opportunity to practice French at home, relying on a dictionary or Google translator for assistance.
Another also emphasized saying “Despite being placed in a class equivalent to Grade 2 in Ghana, I was surprised by the higher level of French proficiency.”
The students who participated also expressed excitement at the varieties of foods they got exposed to while on the exchange programme which to them made their stay in Abidjan a memorable one.
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Source: Angelina Riley Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
