Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is embracing multilingualism through the initiatives of local resident Dr. Rana Sakr. Since her arrival in the area in 2021, she has been dedicated to fostering the French language within the community, an effort that has taken shape through the creation of the FrancoNetwork. This grassroots organization offers various programs for children and adults to learn and improve their French skills.
Dr. Sakr, originally from France, moved to Kennett Square with her husband and two daughters due to a job transfer. While her family is fluent in English, she recognized the importance of maintaining their French language skills. Upon discovering limited opportunities for French speakers in the area, she took the initiative to change that landscape.
Building a Community Around French Language Learning
In her quest to promote the French language, Dr. Sakr launched Franco Fun in 2021, a French immersion class aimed at young children. This program, held at the old Kennett Library, incorporates singing and storytelling to engage students. To enhance her teaching skills, Dr. Sakr completed a year-long course in foreign language teaching training.
The FrancoNetwork has since expanded to offer several programs. One of the key initiatives, FrancoFun, meets every Monday from 18:00 to 19:00 at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Unionville. This ten-week course is designed for children aged 7 to 10, and registration is open for those interested.
Another program, FrancoTalk, is a casual conversation café for all proficiency levels, meeting on the third Wednesday of each month. The next gathering is scheduled for January 25, 2024, at the Hockessin Library in Delaware.
FrancoJeunesse caters to young adults interested in expanding their French vocabulary while playing games like Scrabble. This program is mobile, allowing it to be hosted in classrooms or community gatherings every third Thursday of the month.
Additionally, the FrancoBook bilingual virtual book club launches on February 20, 2024, featuring discussions on French literature in partnership with the Finist and Owl bookstore. This initiative opens opportunities for participants across the United States to engage with French texts and culture.
Connecting Cultures and Communities
Dr. Sakr emphasizes the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism for children. Research shows that multilingual individuals tend to exhibit greater empathy and community bonding. She states, “Learning another language is not only about word recognition but also about understanding the culture and history behind the language.”
In her efforts to promote French language education, Dr. Sakr has established a network of 185 subscribers to her email newsletter, which informs community members about language-learning opportunities. She encourages collaboration among Francophones, fostering friendships and resource-sharing within the community.
The FrancoNetwork has also become an internship site for students from the French Department at West Chester University, further integrating academic support into local language initiatives. Dr. Sakr notes that the greater Chester and Delaware counties host speakers of French from twelve different countries, enriching the community’s cultural diversity.
Through partnerships with the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, which brings educators from various Francophone countries to Lincoln University, Dr. Sakr invites these assistants to connect with the FrancoNetwork. She believes this exposure helps create a “home away from home” for these educators, enhancing the local experience for all involved.
Dr. Sakr’s vision extends beyond mere language instruction. She hopes that parents will recognize the importance of introducing their children to new languages and cultures, contributing to a more unified global community. Her ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to shaping a future where multilingualism is celebrated in Kennett Square.
The book, “The Story of Kennett – Shaping the Future One Child at a Time,” authored by Joan Holliday and Bob George, is available for purchase on Amazon and at the Mushroom Cap. For more information about the FrancoNetwork or to subscribe to the newsletter, interested individuals can contact Dr. Rana Sakr via email at [email protected].
