Parent Group Launches Project Searching For Local Graduates Of French Programs
By Contributor
Students in the Kootenay Lake School District have been learning French, through popular programs like French immersion, since 1986.
Many of these graduates have been changed in some way, shape or form by their experience.
Some went on exchanges to French speaking regions, others continued their language studies and landed jobs in a variety of fields and professions.
As part of summer-long project, Canadian Parents for French is on the search for many of these graduates from the Kootenay Lake School District to ask them: Where Are They Now?
“Graduates of French immersion programs include Olympians, journalists, engineers, Ministers, teachers and so much more,” said Patti Holm, President, Canadian Parents for French BC & YK.
“For many others learning French created some unique opportunity, be it socially, culturally or professionally. We launched the WhereAreTheyNow.ca project to catch up with French immersion graduates from the Kootenay Lake region, capture their experiences, and share their stories to help inspire current students.”
Kootenay Lake School District graduate, Chélie Pharand, said she helps students to succeed and thrive as they tackle the challenges and celebrations of learning another language.
“I currently work in the Late French Immersion program in my community,” Pharand, who graduated in 1997, said.
“They often ask me where I learned to speak French and I always tell them I did it exactly the same way they are, and that they too will succeed. Needless to say, it’s a pretty fantastic job.”
Canadian Parents for French BC & YK is a parent-lead non-profit dedicated to promoting and supporting French second language opportunities for all youth.
