On March 11th and 12th, 2017 Cantho University (CTU) in collaboration with Union of Friendship Organizations, Vietnam-France Friendship Association of Can Tho city, International Francophonie organizations held the 20th Festival of Francophonie in the Mekong Delta to celebrate the 47th anniversary of International Francophonie Day (March 20th, 1970 - March 20th, 2017).
This is the biggest traditional meeting of the year in the Francophonie community, which is alternatively yearly held by provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta region to provide opportunities for meeting and exchanges between the people who love and speak French.
The 20th Festival of Francophonie in the Mekong Delta taking place at Can Tho City |
Representing the co-organizers of the Festival, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, Rector of CTU, expressed the pleasure and honor when CTU has played an important role of spreading the spirit of March 20th - International Francophonie Day, through collaboration with the Francophonie partners, the Departments of Education and Training and the Unions of Friendship Organizations of the provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta region to hold Francophone Festival for 20 years. CTU is always aware of its role and responsibility to be a bridge between the localities and Francophonie partners in order to promote cultural, educational and economic exchanges with Francophonie countries. With a strong and dynamic French-speaking staff, CTU always has a wide range of activities related to French language, contributing to the development of CTU, the localities as well as the Francophonie community.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, Rector of CTU in his speech at the Festival |
On this occasion, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ha Thanh Toan sincerely thanked Francophonie partners and the authorities for their cooperation with CTU in maintaining and developing French language in the Mekong Delta. CTU commits to maintaining and promoting French language teaching in the region.
Presenting flowers to Francophonie organizations co-organizing the Festival |
Sending thanks to the sponsors |
Many exciting activities took place at the Festival such as: Performances of Francophonie band from Ho Chi Minh city; Exhibition of Francophonie countries; Story-telling contest for elementary and middle school students, French-speaking contest on Startup; Discussion on "Traveling: Leverage for Francophonie Development in the Mekong Delta"; Costume contest "My favorite comic book and cartoon characters".
This year’s Francophonie Festival in Can Tho city, with its rich activities and extensive participation of people, is a significant activity to promote French language broadening, and to offer chances for the people to enjoy Francophonie community’s celebration.
Some performances at the opening ceremony of the Festival:
Costume contest:
(Information and Network Management Center)