English Competition 2009

English Competition 2009

 

On May 14, 2009, IRC Director attended the English Lovers’ Week, organized by the English Club of the University of Parakou. Each year, students from University of Parakou celebrate this event to encourage and motivate their peers in English learning. Generally activities included conferences, film show and entertainment activities like dance and sketches.

This year, activities were planned through May 14 – 16 and comprised a conference on the importance of language clubs in the process of English learning, a film show and a contest named “The Best Orator”. The Conference was held on May 15 and conducted by Mr. Mathias AZOUA, Chief of Post-graduate Studies at the University of Parakou. In his presentation, he focused on advice regarding elements in setting and management of an English Club. He spoke of the best venue, the rules or routines, the equipment needed and ways to attract other members to the club activities.

Before Mr. AZOUA made his presentation, Bienvenu Akodigna, IRC Director at the American Cultural Center delivered the PAO’s message to participants. In the speech delivered on behalf of PAO Rhonda Watson, the IRC Director called participants’ attention to the keys of success in life, which include education and communication skills. The speech focused on these keys of success, explaining that education encompasses more than reading and writing. Education refers also to cultural aspects of life such as art, music, dance and even gardening.

The second key refers to the need to develop abilities to communicate in foreign languages like English and French. English is currently the most widely spoken and written language and is medium for 80% of the knowledge produced in the world. Participants were encouraged to develop their communication skills as well in French.

To close the day, participants watched the film “Au nom de toutes les femmes” (On Behalf of all Women), produced by local company sponsored by NGO Women Legal Rights and funded by USAID. This film was produced to sensitize the public against sexual harassment. Participants were thankful to the American Cultural Center that brought the film and commented on the importance of the topic.

The event attracted around 50 participants, members of English Clubs from Parakou and representatives from the Titigweti English Club from the University of Abomey-Calavi .

 

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, the IRC Director pursued his trip up north to Natitingou, where he attended the English Competition. The English Competition is sponsored by the English Teachers Association of Natitingou and this year is the fourth edition.

Participants included the Regional Prefect for Borgou and Alibori, the Regional Director of Secondary Schools in Natitingou, Peace Corps Volunteers, Teachers from secondary schools, students and their parents.

120 students participated in the context and 47 were awarded. Among the 47 awardee, there were 17 students from the 6è, 14 from 3è and 16 from Terminale.

In his speech, the Prefect was thankful to the American Embassy through the Public Affairs Section (known as American Cultural Center) for all its effort to support the Government in education and other development sectors. He concluded his speech by encouraging students to take their studies seriously especially their English classes.

 

Members of the English Club of the University of parakou	IRCD presenting books to the Vice-President of the Club	The Prefet of Atacora-Donga presenting the prize to a student.