French Heritage Language Program: Preserving Language and Building Community for Immigrant Teens in New York

French Heritage Language Program Helps Immigrant Teens Maintain Connection to French Language in New York

New York City, NY – Immigrant teenagers arriving in New York from Haiti or African countries face the challenge of learning English while also maintaining their connection to the French language. To address this need, the “French Heritage Language Program” (FHLP) was established in 2005. The program offers academic French courses, cultural activities, and provides a supportive community for these young people.

The FHLP was founded by Jane Ross, a retired American teacher from the Lycée français in New York. Ross wanted to offer immigrant families of French-speaking origin a free alternative to expensive private schools, allowing their children to continue learning and speaking French.

One of the main challenges faced by the program is accommodating students with different levels of French proficiency. Ross explains, “We are always faced with groups of students who are very heterogeneous, so we have to be flexible in our teaching and adapt to different language levels and cultures. It’s not always easy, but we strive to create a supportive environment.”

The program has received support from the cultural services of the French Embassy, which provides office space for program staff and helps secure funding from private donors. The French Embassy also financially supports the program by paying the salary of its coordinator, Agnès Tounkara, who has been in the role for four years.

The FHLP is offered in New York public high schools specializing in welcoming immigrants. This year, the program was implemented in seven schools, serving approximately 200 young people. The academic teaching and cultural activities, such as theater, are led by three assistants and four teachers.

Nassira Hamdi, a Moroccan teacher who has been with the program for 10 years, emphasizes the importance of the FHLP as a community for young immigrants. She says, “Being a teacher is not just about teaching; I feel like a mother because the French Heritage Language Program is for young immigrants who have just arrived and have to adapt to a new country. So yes, we learn French, but it

What role does the French Embassy play in supporting the French Heritage Language Program in New York City

Title: French Heritage Language Program in New York Preserves Immigrant Teens’ Connection to French

Summary: The French Heritage Language Program (FHLP) in New York City offers immigrant teenagers from Haiti and African countries the opportunity to learn and maintain their connection to the French language. Founded in 2005 by Jane Ross and supported by the French Embassy, the program provides academic courses, cultural activities, and a supportive community for these young individuals. Despite the challenges of diverse language levels, the FHLP aims to create a flexible and nurturing environment. This year, the program is conducted in seven specialized public high schools and serves around 200 students.

Main Text:

Immigrant teenagers who arrive in New York City from Haiti or African countries often face the dual challenge of learning English while also maintaining their connection to the French language. In response to this need, the French Heritage Language Program (FHLP) was established in 2005. This program not only provides academic French courses but also offers various cultural activities and creates a supportive community for these young immigrants.

The FHLP was founded by Jane Ross, a retired American teacher from the Lycée français in New York, with the aim of providing immigrant families of French-speaking origin a free alternative to expensive private schools. This initiative ensures that children can continue to learn and speak French.

One of the key challenges that the FHLP faces is accommodating students with varying levels of French proficiency. Jane Ross acknowledged this hurdle, stating, “We always have groups of students with diverse language levels and cultural backgrounds, so we need to be flexible in our teaching approach. It’s not always easy, but we strive to create a supportive environment for all.”

The program has received substantial support from the cultural services of the French Embassy. They provide office space for the program staff and help secure funding from private donors. Additionally, the French Embassy covers the salary of the program coordinator, Agnès Tounkara, who has been in this role for four years.

The FHLP is available in New York public high schools that specialize in welcoming immigrants. This year, the program operates in seven schools, delivering its services to approximately 200 young individuals. The academic teaching and cultural activities, such as theater, are led by four teachers and three assistants.

Nassira Hamdi, a Moroccan teacher who has been involved with the program for a decade, emphasizes the significance of FHLP as a community for young immigrants. She says, “Being a teacher is more than just imparting knowledge; it feels like being a mother because the French Heritage Language Program caters to young immigrants who have recently arrived and need to adapt to a new country. So, while we teach French, we also provide guidance and support.”

In conclusion, the French Heritage Language Program in New York City plays a vital role in supporting immigrant teenagers from Haiti and Africa, helping them maintain their connection to the French language. Founded by Jane Ross and backed by the French Embassy, the program offers academic courses and cultural activities, creating a nurturing environment for these young individuals. Despite the challenges posed by students with different language levels, the FHLP strives to adapt and accommodate each learner’s unique needs. With the support of the French Embassy, the program continues to expand, serving approximately 200 immigrant teens in seven specialized public high schools.