The French embassy in Rwanda on Saturday, October 23 showcased different activities of the French Cultural Centre in Kigali. Opened by the French president, Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Rwanda in May 2021, it is located in Kimihurura sector, Gasabo district. The French Ambassador to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré described the centre as a sign of friendship and exchange between Rwanda and France. “This centre acts as the meeting point between the people of our two countries, and others who are interested in Francophonie because people will come and get to know the artistic styles and read the histories of the two countries, hence more exchange,” he commented. Over 650 Million Euros has been invested in this French cultural centre The Director of Institut Francais, Juliette Bigot also noted that the Francophone cultural centre will host various cultural events held throughout the country. “Francophone cinema and audiovisuals will be in the spotlight but we will also support digital training workshops and organise film festivals among major ceremonies that bring people together,” she highlighted. The government of France has invested 650 million Euros in this facility. On his part, Johan Hilel, the new Director of the centre, said that during his duties, he will do his best to ensure the centre promotes Rwandan artists on the France audience’s scene. “I hope that this centre will be a place of artistic and cultural excellence as we will host different Francophone artists and promote Rwandan ones in France, because we want Rwanda to be a juncture of artistic talents,” he said. The Language part provides French exam services to those who want to migrate to Canada and France The Francophone cultural centre is made up of three main parts namely the language, library and cultural part. Language part which provides French classes for kids and adults, a beginner or those with basics are all encouraged to attend. The centre also provides French exam services to students and others who would want to migrate to France and Canada. Cultural part: This one hosts concerts and regular exhibitions so as to create a space for artists to showcase their talents. The part also hosts movie projections every Tuesday for adults and Friday afternoon for kids. Media tech/ library which has different activities for young and adult readers. These include lectures and Halloween parties for kids. Its library is also enriched with books of different disciplines and hosts a Café litteraire every month which entails giving a platform to Rwandan authors to share and market their books. It also has a bistro, dubbed The Kigali Bar, where people can enjoy snacks and drinks – an opportunity to connect with French cuisine. The former Centre d’échanges culturels franco-rwandais located in Kiyovu was closed down in 2014 by Kigali city because the centre’s structure was not in line with the new city masterplan. After its closure, all its activities including French language teaching, training and concerts were shifted to Kigali public library and the Goethe Institute in Nyarugenge district. The cultural part will provide a space for Rwandan artists to develop their talents The library provides different services for young and adult readers There will be different exhibitions in this cultural center
