-
.
- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I join you tonight to celebrate Francophonie through one of its most special and enjoyable events, gastronomy.
Since the creation of the International Organisation of Francophonie in 1970, the borders of the Francophone world have expanded to include peoples and nations from all over the world. Bringing together today 88 member states and representing a population of over 320 million French-speaking people on five continents, Francophonie is much more than just a linguistic community. It is a community of cooperation based on the values of equality, complementarity and solidarity; it seeks to promote cultural and linguistic diversity and mutual respect; it supports education, scientific research, culture, youth and sustainable development. It is an art where flavours, colours and aromas harmonise to create a unique sensory experience that transcends language barriers and expresses the history, traditions, know-how and values of a country's society. Participating in a breakfast, lunch or dinner is a moment of pleasure and conviviality that promotes exchange, cooperation and intercultural dialogue, while at the same time allowing the creation of bonds between the participants. This is precisely why I am confident that tonight's celebration will make a significant contribution to further strengthening and reinforcing existing synergies and partnerships for the benefit of the French language and Francophonie in our country.
I would like to emphasize that, as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, we firmly support the universal values of Francophonie and implement policies to promote multilingualism, with French having already become a vibrant and dynamic language in Cyprus. Examples include the extension of the teaching of French in all classes of secondary education, the widespread implementation of French language certification in public schools, the participation of Cyprus in the language assistants' reception programme and the teaching of French in all integrated all-day primary schools. These policies are part of our holistic planning and our ongoing efforts to offer quality education for all and to transition to the modern, democratic and inclusive school that is our main priority.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Director of the 3rd Technical and Vocational School of Limassol for the hospitality, as well as the teachers, the teachers, the students and the pupils for the excellent organization of this wonderful evening full of flavours, aromas and colours of Francophonie.
(NΓ/NZ)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
