On the occasion of the major Francophonie Summit, which will take place on October 4 and 5 in Villers-Cotterêts, the Lycée Français d’Oslo had the honor of hosting several diplomatic figures this morning for a special event dedicated to Francophonie. The 10th and 11th-grade students participated in an exceptional meeting with Mr. Badescu, Ambassador of Romania, Mrs. Ben Younes, Ambassador of Tunisia, Mrs. Beltran Galvez, Ambassador of El Salvador, Mr. Cairet, First Counselor at the French Embassy, and Mrs. Delporte, Cultural and Cooperation Counselor and Director of the French Institute in Oslo.
Under the theme of Francophonie, this morning allowed our students to deepen their understanding of the importance of the French language in the world while discovering various perspectives from different continents. The guests spoke about the history and evolution of Francophonie, their respective countries, cultures, and their personal attachment to the French language.
Mr. Cairet first reminded everyone of the history of Francophonie and its importance in the world.
Mrs. Ben Younes, the Ambassador of Tunisia, highlighted the strong historical ties between Tunisia and Francophonie, emphasizing the importance of the French language as a vehicle for dialogue and opportunities for Tunisian youth.
Mr. Badescu, the Ambassador of Romania, shared with the students the importance of the French language in Romania, particularly highlighting the wealth of Francophone educational and university programs.
The students also took part in the discussion by sharing their own personal experiences as Francophones in an international context. Some of them spoke about how the French language has allowed them to open up to new cultures, while others talked about the role of French in their daily lives.
A moment of transmitting the values of Francophonie
This meeting, rich in exchanges and discoveries, highlighted the spirit of Francophonie: an open community that values diversity, intercultural dialogue, and solidarity across the world. Our guests passed on their love for the French language to the students, while encouraging them to be its ambassadors in their daily lives.
A big thank you to Mr. Badescu, Mrs. Ben Younes, Mrs. Beltran Galvez, Mr. Clairet, and Mrs. Delporte for their time and for the valuable discussions they facilitated with our students. It was an inspiring morning that will remain etched in our memories and aligns perfectly with the Lycée Français d’Oslo’s commitment to promoting Francophonie and the values of the French language.