With the aim of strengthening bilateral relations through the education sector, Guyana and France have discussed the possibility of exchange programmes for students and teachers between the two countries in addition to an increased offering of the French language in local schools.
These proposals were among a number of matters addressed during dialogue between Education Minister Nicolette Henry and French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly on Monday.
“We could have Guyanese teachers go to France to teach while improving their knowledge of French, especially since Haiti is a member of Caricom,” Ambassador Joly was quoted as saying.
He added, “It is my hope and plans to have Guyana send assistant teachers to teach English and at the same time, improve their interest in French through Government relations.”
In a statement issued by the Education Ministry, it was observed that there were also discussions on improving relations with the French Guiana University and the University of Guyana.
According to the release, Minister Henry, in response, dubbed the proposals as “good and useful opportunities to build capacity to teach and learn French”.
She was quoted as saying that the Ministry “is interested in the exchange programmes for six months for teachers and will work on all other possibilities for education development of teachers and students towards a more balanced society”.
“France is also looking for opportunities to improve the way English is being taught in their school system and the Ambassador was adamant that Guyana is as good an English-speaking territory as any other to field teachers to teach English,” the statement added.
Minister Henry added that she would have the Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson “work as the point of contact for the Ministry of Education to work out the modalities”.
Ambassador Joly said that President of the French Guiana Assembly, Rodolphe Alexander said he would work with French Guiana authorities to make bilateral relationships possible for an improved education sector among others.
He also signalled interest in an interface with the Guyana Government via an official visit later this year. Minister Henry has expressed pleasure at the proposed visit and stands ready to interface with Alexander to ensure that discussions are had on a commonly agreed path for education development.
Minister Henry also spoke of the ongoing education efforts for the promotion of the greening of the Guianas on the Guiana Shield through student exchanges.
