“My French, My Future: Career Exploration Fairs” returning for a second year

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Jan. 9, 2013 – Following the phenomenal success of two French for the Future Local Forums “My French, My Future: Career Exploration Fairs” last March, a second series of forums being planned for Feb. 20-21 promise to be even better.

Offered to the 389 Grade 9 students enrolled in French first-language and French immersion programs throughout the Island, the Local Forums will aim to show youth the importance of continuing their high school and postsecondary education in French. They will be clearly shown that their French training can open all kinds of personal and professional doors, including access to bilingual or French jobs and careers right here on PEI.

Last year, one of the biggest discoveries the young participants made was the fact that they could actually have a life and a career in French on the Island.

During the 2013 fairs, the youth will have an opportunity to participate in several sessions on general career fields that interest them as well as in motivational presentations. They will also get an opportunity to visit information booths related to bilingual/French careers or postsecondary studies in French.

Students from the western half of PEI will be transported to Empire Theatres in Summerside for their fair on Feb. 20. Those from the eastern half will go to Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown for their Feb. 21 fair. Feb. 22 has been reserved as an alternate storm date.

These Local Forums or “fairs” are organized jointly by French for the Future (a national organization promoting official bilingualism), Canadian Parents for French PEI, the two provincial school boards, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the University of Prince Edward Island and RDÉE Prince Edward Island.

“Last year, we were organizing our very first series of two fairs so we essentially had to start from scratch in regards to organization and logistics,” explains coordinator Sylvie De Sousa. “We now know what works well and what needed to be improved upon. So this year, we’re adjusting whatever needs adjusting.”

As well, in regards to the career workshops, organizers saw that certain styles of presentations worked better than others. Also, some careers choices were more popular among the youth. So, this year, organizers are trying to recruit presenters who will better meet the needs of the young participants.

The youth will be informed in advance of the day’s objectives and activities. They will pre-select their sessions. This preparation, carried out in collaboration with the intermediate schools from all over the province, is essential to the success of the day,” says the coordinator.

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CUTLINE: Sophie LeBlanc, sales and recruiting officer for the University of Moncton, discusses some of the programs offered at the institution with a young participant in the “My French, My Future” career exploration fair held in Charlottetown last spring. Two other similar fairs are being planned for Grade 9 students this coming February. (Photo: Mike Bernard Photography)

For more information:
Sylvie De Sousa
Coordinator, Prince Edward Island
“My French, My Future: Career Exploration Fairs”
(902) 659 2783
sdesousa@french-future.org
www.francais-avenir.org