What is an effective and enjoyable way for students to learn more about themselves as global citizens of a richly diverse planet? How can they learn tolerance and solidarity while gaining a better appreciation for natural and social history and heritage? Perhaps, you suggest, by immersing themselves in another culture while gaining knowledge and skills through travel, discovery, sharing and cooperation?
That is precisely what an Anguillian contingent of secondary and tertiary students and teachers did when they traveled recently, from December 13 – 20, to the island of Martinique on an educational excursion focused on one of our French West Indian neighbours. In a general quest for personal and professional growth, twenty-three students and eight teachers undertook a linguistic and cultural stay in Martinique. More specifically, they went to experience, among other things, the “pays natal” (native land) of author and politician Aimé Césaire, its beautiful flora and fauna, lively zouk, tasty colombo, the sugar and rum plantations, the volcano region including Mount Pelée and Saint-Pierre (little Paris of the West Indies), the Center for the Discovery of Earth Science, and historic Fort de France. What they saw and experienced, much to their delight, was beyond their expectations.
The team – #anguillafrancophiles (lovers of all things French) – was led by the Department of Modern Languages and comprised teachers and students from the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) and the Anguilla Community College (ACC). The students are registered to sit the May/June 2020 French exams with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) at two levels – the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
The multi-disciplinary faculty from the ALHCS and the ACC brought to the experience wide-ranging knowledge and expertise across numerous disciplines – Modern Languages, Science, Math, Business, English, Information Technology, History, Music, and Art History.
The trip was sponsored largely by parents, but many Anguillian businesses also seized the opportunity to give generously to such a worthy cause. The organisers wish to use this medium to express sincere appreciation to all these businesses and individuals who contributed in so many different ways. Special mention must be made of Lloyd’s Aviation, Anguilla Tourist Board, Anguilla Youth Business Foundation and the Department of Youth and Culture for being major donors. Special thanks to the French Consul, Mr Quentin Meilhac, for his mediating between local organisers and the Embassy of France in St Lucia.
The itinerary included a variety of sites and events catering to the general needs of the students. It involved marine exploration; cultural events; a church service; school and university visits; rainforest adventure; visits to an earth science museum, historical sites and a cinema – not forgetting the shopping experience – and all conducted in the French language.
Outcomes of the trip are numerous. Increased motivation is the result of students and teachers being able to communicate with locals, making friends and creating new acquaintances. More tangible evidence will take the form of written journals. Students were required to write, in French, daily chronicles of their stay, documenting their individual experiences. Journal samples will be published on the ALHCS website and Facebook page.
Several institutional partnerships were created, namely with:
IFLE CARICOM Project and Elan-Interreg Caraïbes with support from the European Union (EU) – a pathway for linguistic exchanges and innovative learning to promote student, cultural and professional mobility;
Université des Antilles (the only French university in the Caribbean) – tertiary study opportunities with campuses in Martinique and Guadeloupe, including Erasmus (scholarship) agreements with EU and North American countries; and
Alliance Française of St. Lucia (AFSLU) – offering professional pathways for teachers and students through French, including the French Ministry of Education’s DELF and DALF qualifications.
New relationships were also established with local Martinican school teachers – at the primary and secondary levels – with potential for exchange opportunities, as well as the prospect of collaboration with regional OECS territories on future projects.
Locally, we hope to see our youngsters becoming more fluent and proficient in French as they continue their studies and branch out into their various professional careers. Additionally, the creation of the French language Anguilla tourism brochure seeks to attract more visitors to our shores – while demonstrating to our students one of the immediate uses of foreign language learning.
To quote an IFLE objective – the overarching aim of the #anguillafrancophiles project is to move from multiculturalism (coexistence of several languages in the same environ) to plurilingualism (ability to communicate in several languages) for personal growth and employability. To that end, we hope to have many more linguistic and cultural exchanges at all levels.
In the words of Mr. Ivan Francis, Graduate Teacher of Modern Languages at the ALHCS and one of the team leaders: “The trip to Martinique was an opportunity for our students to step out of the classroom and textbook and into the real world where the French language and culture are alive right before their eyes and in their ears. Their general response indicated a deep appreciation for both, and we hope that this trip will serve as a booster propelling them to greater heights using the French language.”
According to Jaheim Haywood-Liddie, 6th Form Modern Languages major who is considering a career in Linguistics, “It was a once in a lifetime experience…Got to see amazing places, meet wonderful people and now I have an interest in going back [to Martinique] to continue my studies at the Université des Antilles.”
Madame Marilyn (Mimi) Connor, Lecturer at the ACC, added: “It was my great pleasure to join the ALHCS team with my French students from the ACC on this linguistic and cultural adventure. Collaboration with colleagues and institutions on wonderful projects like this is always a good thing. More importantly, the direct exposure and experience gained by our students on French soil will not only reap immediate benefits on their upcoming French examinations, but beyond as they embrace lifelong learning.”
Mrs. Verrerlyne Bruno-Mason, Head of Modern Languages, concluded: “This trip was a very anticipated one, and it was also a learning experience for the students as well as the teachers who accompanied them. It not only allowed us to expose the students to the French culture firsthand, but it also allowed us to create a closer bond with them. It is our aim to continue with the planning and execution of such fun-learning activities. We are extremely grateful to every individual, company, and group who contributed, in one way or another, to make our trip a success. Looking forward for bigger and better things in the future. ”
– Press Release
