The Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences of Béni Mellal recently hosted the signing ceremony of a partnership agreement between the French Institute (IF), Moulay Slimane University, and the Regional Academy of Education and Training (AREF) of Tadla-Azilal. This was on the occasion of the inauguration of the annex of the French Institute of Marrakech in Béni Mellal, which has taken up residence at the "Ennahda" school. The opening of this branch was decided in response to a request from the IF's partners, namely the university, the AREF, and the local authorities. The result of two years of preparation, this tripartite agreement aims to train teachers, inspectors, and supervisors in the teaching of the French language. It also aspires to create projects of a cultural, linguistic, and educational nature, as well as to develop cultural exchanges between schools and university institutions in France and the Tadla-Azilal region. "We have received a little over 300 registrations for this quarter, which is very encouraging. A dozen teachers have been recruited locally as part of our partnership with the university and the AREF. They have all benefited from initial training in teaching French as a foreign language (FLE)", explains Claude Cortier, lecturer and cooperation attaché at the French Institute of Marrakech.

The Béni Mellal branch also plans to recruit other teachers and integrate them into the continuing education provided by the French Institute of Morocco, to be able to better respond to the demand of its partners and the public, in anticipation of registrations in March for the spring session. It should be noted that the courses given by the IFM are evening courses for children, adolescents, students, adults, and professionals. Most of the courses take place in the evening, on Wednesday afternoons, and on Saturdays at the "Ennadha" school for the youngest and at the faculty for adolescents and adults. "Our action plan is linked to the requests and needs of our partners on the one hand and, on the other hand, with the programming of the French Institute of Marrakech, on which the Béni Mellal branch depends. There will be training actions for teachers, as well as educational cultural activities for pupils and students, some of which may be open to the public", concludes Claude Cortier.

Training and diplomas

In two years of partnership with the French Institute, 8 training sessions have been carried out for teachers at Moulay Slimane University and the AREF. The IF branch in Béni Mellal can provide pupils, students, and the public with quality courses thanks to the competence and involvement of the trained teachers. French "DELF" (Diploma in French Language Studies) and DALF (Diploma in Advanced French Language Studies) examination sessions will be organised this February and next May. They will allow those who wish to study abroad or apply for a job where French is required to present a recognised certification.