On Monday 11th September, the diploma awarding Ceremony of the "DELF for DEIS Schools” Initiative took place at Alliance Française de Cork, in the presence of French Senator Olivier Cadic, Irish Senator & Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Jerry Buttimer, TD Cathal Berry, Valérie David-McGonnell, Josselin Le Gall, Pascal Lucas and Philippe Grosbois (Board Members of Alliance Française de Cork), Laurence Helaili-Chapuis, elected Advisor to French citizens in Ireland (Conseillère des Français de l’Étranger), and Béatrice Chrétien, National Manager of the DELF examinations in Ireland.

We were very honoured that French Senator Olivier Cadic, who represents French citizens living abroad, chose to travel to Cork, for his 500th international visit.

The "DELF for DEIS Schools” Initiative is a new educational French-language programme which was created and launched in December 2022 by Alliance Française de Cork President Valérie David-McGonnell in order to give one student from each post-primary DEIS school in Cork City an opportunity to prepare for and sit the international French DELF Junior A2 diploma for free. This educational initiative, which is supported by the Cork City Council, is a first in Ireland.

Five Cork City DEIS schools took part in the first edition of this scholarship programme: Coláiste Éamann Rís, Nano Nagle College, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, St Vincent Secondary School and Ursuline Secondary School. Well done to all the participating students who scored excellent results. They were awarded their official DELF diploma parchments at the Monday night ceremony which was also attended by their parents, teachers and school Principals.

During the ceremony, Alliance Française de Cork President Valérie David-McGonnell was awarded the Medal of the French Senate for her work promoting the French language in Ireland.

Article in French here: https://lepetitjournal.com/dublin/remise-de-diplomes-delf-des-eleves-decoles-defavorisees-de-cork-368556