Amandine Bizet, training advisor and trainer at the Illiteracy and Analphabetism Resource Center, organized a training day at the Maison des associations de la Source for volunteers in charge of French courses in the urban area’s associations.
She called on Francois Xavier Lagarde, a professor at the University of Bordeaux, who runs theatre workshops in asylum seeker centres. “I created a method, ‘French on the Stage’, to learn French through theatre. Everyone can have a role in a play. Even someone who has just arrived can be a central character, which is very rewarding.”
“We were given confidence”
The training day took place in two parts: in the morning for theoretical input with volunteers, and in the afternoon for practical training with learners. Bernadette Vaussion, president of Olivet Solidarité and volunteer since 2016, appreciates “the methodology in the form of theatre, with the recommendations of a trainer.” Comments confirmed by Djazia Touati, a learner from Algeria, who adds: “I really enjoyed playing a short scene, “The Hairdresser and the Butcher”. Even though I’m shy, we were given confidence.”
Amandine Bizet concludes: “In this period, we are asking ourselves questions about the future of integration, despite the positive impact of our work.”
