Francophonie: Worth celebrating!

March 20, 2008, has been declared the Journée internationale de la Francophonie. This will be an opportunity for Francophones worldwide to proclaim their solidarity and celebrate their distinction. 

Why March 20?

On March 20, 1970, at Niamey, Niger, the treaty on creating the Agence de coopération culturelle, later to become the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) (In French Only), was signed.

In Canada, Francophonie is celebrated coast to coast to coast

This year, the Rendez-vous de la francophonie, a non-profit organization, is organizing a multitude of activities in honour of the Journée internationale de la francophonie. But isn’t Francophonie too important to be celebrated for just one day? From next March 7 to 23, over nine million Francophones in Canada will celebrate their culture, their history and pride in sharing the language of Molière.

In keeping with the theme “D’hier à demain, la francophonie m’appartient”, the Rendez-vous and its partners are organizing an abundance of events to underscore the role of different generations in weaving our social fabric. Canadian Francophones and Francophiles will be able to learn about the evolution of French and of its contribution to the Canadian society of today.

Canada’s Public Service is equally dedicated to celebrating the vitality of the French language that greatly contributes to Canada’s cultural richness. Once again, the Canada Public Service Agency will collaborate with the Rendez-vous de la francophonie on activities that will take place in the national capital, and on March 7, in cooperation with a variety of federal institutions, will launch the festivities at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. Activities will also be organized across Canada so that public servants outside the capital may also enjoy the celebrations.

The Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française, for its part, will hold its 16th Semaine nationale de la francophonie (In French Only) from March 7 to 23, 2008. The Association encourages students and stakeholders in the education sector to undertake dynamic activities that promote French fact across the country.