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28.03.2012 General News

Gov't should be committed to French studies – Prof Kuupole

28.03.2012 LISTEN
By Ghana| Joy News TV| Georgina Appiah

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole has emphasized the need for a strong commitment on the part of government to formulate a clear policy on the study of the French language.

Prof. Kuupole also wants the adoption of strategies that will ensure a level playing field for the teaching and learning of the French language in schools.

According to him, figures available show a gloomy picture of the number of French teachers at the basic school level, indicating that they are nowhere near the target. He pointed out that in 2008 for instance, there was a shortage of about 4000 French teachers at the Junior High School level.

He maintained the shortage of teachers has a direct bearing on academic performance especially at the pre-university levels.

The French professor was delivering an inaugural lecture at the University of Cape Coast on the topic; “From the Savannah to the Coastal Lands in Search of Knowledge through the French Language: A Herd Boy's Tale”.

Recounting his personal experience as a herd boy, Prof. Kuupole acknowledged that any form of knowledge must be useful to the individual and society.

Stressing the importance of the French language to Ghana, the French scholar said many spheres of “our endevour” stand to benefit from an international language such as French.

He reiterated the need for government to expand the International Exchange Programme and Study Abroad Programmes for at least two semesters for the Colleges of Education with the hope that more concerted effort will be made to improve upon the teaching and learning of the language

The Pro-Vice Chancellor also urged students to take up special interest in the study and teaching of French.

He further called on stakeholders in the education sector to take a second look at the national language policy to help achieve the nation's communication objective.

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