Africa-Press – Seychelles. “We welcome with open arms all actions for the promotion of La Francophonie”
July 14, French National Day, is also an opportunity for French people – wherever they are in the world – to celebrate the symbols and values of the Republic.
Our newspaper spoke with the Ambassador of France to Seychelles, Ms. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann to provide an update on the Seychelles-France relationship.
The Seychelles-France collaboration continues further and tell us about the projects that are underway, because you continue to help the Seychelles since our independence?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: The projects continue both in terms of regional cooperation but we also have major subjects of shared and international interest, whether they are subjects related to climate change, the environment and others. There was the great summit of COP 27 during which France supported the “Great Blue Wall / Great Blue Wall” proposed by the Seychelles. Most recently, there was the Paris Summit for a New Global Financial Deal so that we do not have to choose between reducing poverty in the world and fighting climate change. And there really is an ambitious Paris Agenda for People and Planet that has been launched. At the international level, we work very closely with the Seychelles, particularly on global issues. Maritime security is another area in which we work closely between the Armed Forces of the Southern Indian Ocean Zone (FAZSOI) and the Seychelles Coast Guard. There is also cooperation on health, education, customs, etc.
There are always shortcomings concerning scholarships on Reunion and France. What does the embassy do so that Seychellois can have access to the various French institutions?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: We see that there is a lack of information and that often the possible training in France, especially in Reunion, is not known by Seychellois students. Too often students who complete their baccalaureate/A-Level do not turn to French universities. We have several areas of projects including a careers forum in partnership with the University of Seychelles (UniSey) to show all the possibilities of studying in the region and to publicize these training courses. And we try to work with our colleagues at Campus France – who are based in Mauritius – to raise awareness of the different study possibilities. Recently, we also organized the first Alumni day with former students who came to France so that everyone could share their experience.
We are also working on a project to develop a tri-language Master’s degree (English, French and Creole) with the University of Aix-Marseille, which is also in partnership with UniSey. This project will create more links and student networks between our two countries.
The French School of Seychelles has once again recorded 100% success in the baccalaureate. How do you see the progress of this school?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: The French School of Seychelles (EFS) is part of our “France team” and thus contributes to the influence of France but also of the Francophonie and the French language in the Seychelles. The evolution of the school is very favorable and at the start of the school year there will be more than 330 students enrolled; this goes in the right direction of the wish of the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron to see the number of learners in French double by 2030 in the networks of the AEFE (Agency for French education abroad) . The EFS has also reinforced the issue of multilingualism – with the development of the teaching of three languages at school; it is a long-term battle for children to speak French on a daily basis outside of class and in the schoolyard! In the France team, we are also thinking about how to open up the school even more, which is already in partnership with the Mont Fleuri school.
The Alliance Française throughout the world is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. How does the Seychelles organization contribute to the advancement of culture and French?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: The AFS and the EFS are Seychellois organizations since they are managed in the form of local associations, but these two organizations actively participate in the action plan of the France team in the Seychelles to the influence of the French language and culture.
Right now, the world is seeing some scenes of violence in France. Your reactions.
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: There was an incident during a police check and the situation degenerated: the death of young Nahel is a tragedy that aroused great emotion. As President Macron said, there have been several times, including a time linked to emotion, after which is the time for justice. We are really in a phase of appeasement and we must not stigmatize France. Urban violence is not specific to France. France is still a rule of law with a serene and conducive climate for tourists.
We have seen a small improvement in the promotion of Francophonie activities this year. How will the French Embassy continue to ensure this continuity?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: We welcome with open arms all actions for the promotion of La Francophonie. French and the Francophonie should not just be a matter of a week in March! French is one of the national languages of the country and it must be remembered every day. We can do this by having several small projects in schools and on other platforms such as sports that allow people to speak French without realizing it. The French language is not so difficult and through games, fun activities, one can easily become comfortable with the language of Molière.
Madam Ambassador, you have been in the Seychelles for 10 months, what is your assessment of the Seychelles?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: The Seychelles are faithful to the “postcard” image that we have of it and the many French tourists are not mistaken. But when we are on the ground, we also see the work that has been done and is being done daily to keep this paradisiacal image. There have been many developments in the Seychelles but there is still a lot of potential. We are very impressed by what the Seychelles have accomplished and the place they manage to hold in the Indian Ocean and in the world for a small island state. But when you live there, you are sometimes far from the postcard when it rains a lot and it is almost cold (laughs)!
How do you find your integration?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: As in all positions, it takes time to adapt. As I was in Germany before, the way of operating was different. What I learned in the Seychelles is to be more patient and things will get done. You have to leave room for dialogue and fully understand the projects and intentions of your interlocutors.
For this July 14, what are your wishes for the French living in the Seychelles?
Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann: I hope the weather will be favorable so that we can put on some music, this music that we love so much to be able to dance, because July 14 is also the celebration of the Federation Day in 1790 in a spirit of joy and harmony. We are united around the values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the motto of the French Republic, but these are also values that we share with the Seychelles. I wish a good July 14 to all!
Source: Seychelles NATION
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