University of Gonder and the embassy of France agreed to open a French center in Gonder, so disclosed by University of Gonder.
As to the sending statement of University of Gonder to The Ethiopian Herald, on the 9th of October 2019, the University of Gondar hosted the Embassy of France. The two discussed on a mutual way forward to incorporate the French Language in a number of areas in the University of Gondar system. Some of the talking points included incorporating the French language into the curriculum of various departments and also creating a French Language Center.
The nation of France has long standing ties with Ethiopia stemming some 110 years. During the reign of his Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie the 1st, the French were among the strongest allies of the regime. Now in contemporary Ethiopia, it could be seen that the French Embassy is working to strengthen this long-standing relationship.
The discussions are ongoing and a finalized MOU will be signed on the target date of October 22, 2019. Those who were present for the discussions were among others, the President of the University of Gondar Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, Academic vice president Dr. Kassahun Tegegne and Education, Academic and Scientific Cooperation Attache from the French Embassy- Anaelle Guillen.
Regarding the long tradition of educational and linguistic cooperation between France and Ethiopia, the Embassy of France is carrying out actions in order to Structure the French as a foreign language section in University of Gonder, make the French Language more attractive and support the development of French language centers in Gondar.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition October 13/2019
BY MEHARI BEYENE
