The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus, Antigua and Barbuda, welcomed Her Excellency Marie-Noëlle Duris, Ambassador of France to Antigua and Barbuda, during a courtesy visit to the Site. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and explore potential areas of collaboration in support of French-language education and intercultural learning in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
Ambassador Duris was welcomed by Head of Site, Ms. Coleen Letlow, and Senior Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Candice Laviscount. Ms. Letlow extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Duris on her new assignment and conveyed best wishes for a successful and productive tenure in Antigua and Barbuda.
Discussions centred on opportunities for collaboration between The UWI Global Campus and French educational and cultural partners to strengthen French-language proficiency and expand access to meaningful French-language learning opportunities.
Particular attention was given to the potential development and enhancement of academic and professional programmes that could equip learners with both formal qualifications and practical bilingual competencies.
The discussions also explored the use of modern pedagogical approaches and innovative digital learning tools to enhance the teaching and learning of French.
Given The UWI Global Campus’ commitment to flexible and technology-enabled education, the potential integration of contemporary instructional methodologies could provide learners with greater opportunities to develop language skills in engaging and practical ways.
Another area of interest was the possibility of creating more immersive learning experiences through exposure to French-speaking environments and territories.
Such experiences could complement classroom-based learning by allowing students to strengthen their communication skills, deepen their understanding of Francophone cultures, and apply their language competencies in authentic settings.
The discussions further considered the broader value of bilingualism in the Caribbean. Increased proficiency in French can support opportunities in areas such as tourism and hospitality, international business, diplomacy, education, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
Expanding access to programmes that combine academic qualifications with language proficiency could therefore contribute to the professional development of citizens while strengthening connections between Antigua and Barbuda, the French Caribbean, and the wider Francophone community.
Ms. Letlow noted that The UWI Global Campus is well positioned to facilitate flexible and accessible learning opportunities and welcomed the prospect of exploring initiatives that could respond to the educational and professional needs of learners in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region.
The meeting concluded with a shared interest in continuing discussions and identifying practical opportunities for collaboration. The UWI Global Campus looks forward to further engagement with the Embassy of France and relevant French educational and cultural institutions as discussions advance.
The potential collaboration represents an opportunity to build bridges between English-speaking and French-speaking Caribbean communities while promoting lifelong learning, cultural understanding, and greater access to international educational opportunities.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Ambassador of France.