Sylvain Lavoie of the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques discusses the importance of the francophone communities of the Americas, as well as his organization’s benefits to Louisianans.
The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques builds relationships with francophones and francophiles across the continent. Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques
This post is sponsored by the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques.
By Jonathan Olivier
The Centre de la francophonie des Amériques was created in 2008 by the Government of Quebec to build relationships with the francophones and francophiles across the continent. This year, the Centre is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The Centre also annually celebrates the “Mois de la Francophonie,” which aims to promote the French language in this magnificent context of cultural diversity.
In order to better understand the Centre’s role in the Americas, we caught up with Sylvain Lavoie, President and CEO of the Centre, to ask him about his organization and what’s going on throughout the Mois de la Francophonie. Plus, we find out how Louisianans can get involved and become a member.
Q: What is the role of the Centre in “la Francophonie?”
A: The Centre supports dialogue and encourages people, communities and groups interested in the Francophonie to come together in a spirit of solidarity, discovery and sharing. Over the past 15 years, the Centre has developed a wide network through its actions on the ground, all over the continent, which comprises thousands of members.
To reach its clientele, the Centre collaborates with partners from various backgrounds who contribute to enhancing the French language and francophone culture, as well as sharing a diverse and dynamic Francophonie. We have many partners in Louisiana, and we are very proud of them! The projects carried out are promising and unifying for a diverse and dynamic Francophonie.
Sylvain Lavoie, President and CEO of the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques. Centre de la Francophonie des Amériques
Q: Do any Louisianans work with the Centre?
A: The Centre is very pleased to have on its Board of Directors Peggy Feehan, executive director of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL). She succeeded Zachary Richard, who has held the title since the Centre was founded, and who is now an honorary member of the Centre for his outstanding contributions over the years.
Q: What are the Centre’s flagship programs?
A: The Centre offers at least one intensive training program per year that brings together participants from the Americas. Over the years, many people from Louisiana have participated in these programs. The bonds that are forged last over time and these people become involved in their communities. These initiatives enable the discovery, development and celebration of the Francophonie of the Americas.
These three programs are:
Forum des jeunes ambassadeurs de la francophonie des Amériques
Parlement francophone des jeunes des Amériques
Université d’été sur la francophonie des Amériques
Q: Do any of the Centre’s programs take place in Louisiana?
A: The 2023 edition of the “Université d'été sur la francophonie des Amériques” will be presented in collaboration with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), from May 22 to 27, 2023. This is the first time a Centre Signature Program has been held outside of Canada! Several partners will join this event, including CODOFIL and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie. Nathan Rabalais, associate professor of Francophone studies at ULL, will accompany this group during this intensive training.
Q: What is the “Bibliothèque des Amériques?”
The Bibliothèque des Amériques is a unique tool that provides free access to thousands of books for all francophones and French learners in the Americas. It includes:
A catalog of over 17,000 digital books of French-speaking authors from the Americas, available for loan;
Literary news: news and portraits of authors
Suggestions for reading
Dynamic programming including “Rendez-vous littéraires”
An educational area to support primary and secondary teachers in French as a first, second or foreign language
To learn more, click the link: bibliothequedesameriques.com
Q: What is the Francophonie of the Americas?
A: The francophone presence in the Americas is a historical and geographical reality that varies from one community to another. It has 33 million francophones and francophiles. Across the continent, in sometimes isolated communities, the French heritage resonates. From the shores of Acadia to the vast expanses of the prairies of western Canada, to Louisiana and the Caribbean, French in the Americas continues to resonate, to make people laugh, cry, dance, sing and live.
There are 33 million francophones and francophiles on the continent. Centre de la francophonie des Amériques
Q: What is the “Mois de la Francophonie?”
A: Throughout the month of March, the Centre is partnering with various partners and collaborators to share the dynamism and richness of the Francophonie of the Americas. The Centre can present activities that bring together francophones from the Americas, such as conferences, round tables, film screenings, reading proposals, literary meetings, competitions, and more.
Q: When is the International Day of the Francophonie?
A: Since 1990, francophones and francophiles from all continents have celebrated the International Day of the Francophonie every March 20. This event was created in 1988 to celebrate the French language and its 300 million speakers worldwide. It is an opportunity for all individuals to celebrate by expressing their solidarity and desire to live together, in recognition of their differences and diversity!
The date of March 20 was chosen to commemorate the signing of the treaty that created the Agence de Coopération Culturelle et Technique, the precursor to today’s Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, on March 20, 1970 in Niger.
To learn more about the “Mois de la Francophonie” in 2023, click here: Mois de la Francophonie
Q: How can Louisianans take advantage of the many resources that the Centre has to offer?
A: The Centre has thousands of members and is very pleased to have people from Louisiana among them! To connect to the Francophonie of the Americas and use the Centre’s resources, you must become a member and it’s free. You are just one click away from joining us!
Individual members receive the Centre’s newsletter and benefit from:
Espace M, a platform that offers exclusive content to members;
Bibliothèques des Amériques with over 17,000 eBooks
Centre programs, activities and competitions;
The opportunity to participate in the Centre’s democratic process.