Government of Quebec says "Oui"
Oui Can Help!, Concordia’s ground-breaking francisation program has received a grant for $71,250 from the Office québécois de la langue française.
The injection of new funding means Oui Can Help! can continue to develop and expand upon its bursary program, French conversation groups and career-oriented workshops it now provides students.
"We're the first and currently the only university to benefit from this special grant," said Chanel Bourdon, coordinator for Oui Can Help! "It puts us on the map in a big way." This award sets a precedent, she says, opening the door for other university programs to also develop French components.
The grant is part of the OQLF's Programme de soutien aux associations pour la promotion de la francisation dans les entreprises. Previously, this initiative focused exclusively on a select number of businesses and organizations in the province. It distributes about $1 million annually to ensure they can conduct business in Quebec's official language.
From the outset, Oui Can Help! has worked collaboratively with the Quebec government. The aim is to develop programming to assist students from outside the province who want to obtain the language skills necessary not only to successfully navigate job interviews in la langue de Molière but also thrive in a francophone working environment.
"We help the students build French-language skills to increase their chances of finding full-time employment in Quebec or of finding a part-time job while studying," Bourdon said. “We also want them to experience the rich French culture of Quebec society.”
Launched in October 2011, the pilot program that year awarded 102 bursaries worth $500 each to international students and to those from provinces outside Quebec to study at Concordia's Département d'études françaises. For 2012-13, that number rose to 150 bursaries to international students.
In November 2012, additional funding from the Quebec Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport is expected to be announced, and those funds will underwrite a number of additional bursaries for Canadian students from outside the province.
The latest OQLF grant also ensures the program can continue to grow and offer services beyond bursaries. These include job interview and career-building workshops such as the October 22, 2012, career panel Building Your Career in French in Quebec, which will give students a chance to hear the success stories of Concordia alumni.
Bourdon also hopes to build on the success of the ongoing French conversation groups in which undergraduate and graduate students enhance their French-language skills. Along with the Concordia Student Union, the Département d'études françaises and other programs, such as GradProSkills, her department is reviewing other events and opportunities to promote the French language on campus.
Related links:
• Oui Can Help!
• Concordia's Département d'études françaises