French Embassy celebrates International French Teachers and the closure of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

By Shouq Al-Mulla
Special to The Times Kuwait

On the occasion of the “International Day of French Teachers” and the closing of the “Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games”, the French Embassy in Kuwait hosted a reception at the French Residence.

The event was graced by the French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Gauvin, who welcomed French teachers, prominent personalities from the fields of teaching and education, as well as representatives from the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee and the world of sports. Notably, the reception also included members of the Kuwaiti Olympic and Paralympic teams.

This reception was an opportunity to celebrate the 1,500 French teachers who work in Kuwait, spanning public and private sectors, and from primary schools to universities.

Interestingly, French was introduced into the Kuwaiti education system in 1966 and is now the third most taught language after Arabic and English.

What’s more is that with over 30,000 learners annually and around 10,000 students pursuing their Bachelor’s degrees in French, the language has become an essential vector of educational cooperation between France and Kuwait.

Additionally, Kuwait University’s French department, with 300 students enrolled, plays a significant role in promoting French language and culture.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the ceremony, Ambassador Gauvin emphasized the importance of education, stating, “Education is a long-term investment. A student who learns French is someone who will carry Francophonie for the rest of his life, so it is a long-term investment”.

The Ambassador further stated, “There are three main things that we are working on: The first is to encourage sending students to France; The second is to enhance cooperation between French universities and Kuwaiti universities; and The third is to enhance the presence of the French school in Kuwait, which currently includes 1,200 male and female students. Our goal is to work with the school to increase its capacity and raise its level of excellence by eventually establishing an international French baccalaureate”.

This dynamic of cooperation between France and Kuwait is supported by a close partnership with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. In March 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen educational cooperation and promote the teaching of the French language.

Recently, on December 2, 2024, a training session dedicated to the use of authentic documents in teaching French as a foreign language, was organized by the French Embassy and the French Institute of Kuwait, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France Éducation International, and the French Institute of Paris. This initiative illustrates the desire in strengthening teachers’ skills and fostering innovation in teaching practices.

Moreover, the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie in Kuwait was established in 2021, to create a platform for dialogue and exchange on Francophonie issues. It brings together ambassadors from member countries of the Francophonie, and benefits from the invaluable support of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Honorary President, whose commitment to the Francophonie cause is unanimously welcomed.

The reception at the French Residence, also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Kuwaiti athletes and Para-athletes, who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The French Ambassador, H. E. Olivier Gauvin, warmly acknowledged the participation of Khaled Al-Mudhaf and Mohammed Al-Daihani in shooting; Yousef Al-Shamlan in fencing; Mohammed Zubaid and Lara Dashti in swimming; Ameena Shah in sailing; Amal Al-Roumi in athletics; and Dhari Batti in shot put.

A highlight of the event was the participation of Soaad Al-Faqaan in rowing, who made history as the first Kuwaiti woman to compete in an Olympic nautical event, serving as an inspiration for young girls in Kuwait.

The Ambassador extended his heartfelt congratulations to the two Kuwaiti medalists: Faysal Srour, who made history by winning Kuwait’s first-ever gold medal in the Paralympic Games in shot put (F53 category); and Faysal Al-Rajhi, who claimed bronze in the 5000 meters wheelchair race (T54 category).

These two outstanding Para-athletes, along with their teammates, brought immense pride to Kuwait, embodying the values of determination and resilience. Their achievements have made them role models for the next generation of athletes in Kuwait.

Furthermore, this initiative celebrates the passion and dedication of individuals in sports, Francophonie culture, gastronomy, fashion, science, and innovation, fostering enduring bonds with France. It lies at the heart of the ‘Make it iconic, choose France’ campaign—an inspiring and ambitious call to embrace the uniqueness that defines France.

This initiative inspires all of us to think boldly, take risks, and innovate. Through its vibrant diversity and richness, it showcases a France that is confident, ambitious, and proudly open to the world.