Author: Francis Biziweck

On Thursday, 29th January 2026, a delegation from the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi visited Domasi College of Education (DCE) to explore opportunities to strengthen the teaching of French as a foreign language in Malawi. The delegation met with DCE leadership, including Principal Dr. Arkangel Mtipe Yambeni, Deputy Principal Dr. Gilbert Phiri, the Dean of the Faculty of Language, Arts, and Communication, the Academic Registrar, and representatives from the Department of French.

During the discussions, DCE reaffirmed its commitment to expanding French language education by training more teachers and introducing beginner-level courses for students without prior knowledge of the language. The Embassy’s Education and French Cooperation Attaché, Mr. Johann Robinet, and Ms. Inès Schmitt, Cooperation Attaché to Malawi, welcomed these initiatives and pledged support in pedagogy and teaching materials. Both parties also emphasized the importance of establishing a long-term collaboration framework.

The delegation endorsed plans to create a “French Corner” and a resource center at DCE to provide authentic exposure to the French language and culture for students, faculty, and the wider community. Additional discussions with the French Department highlighted staff development opportunities through online and in-person training workshops, subject to funding availability, as part of broader efforts to enhance French language education.

In his remarks, Dr. Yambeni outlined his vision for the Faculty of Language, Arts, and Communication, which includes constructing a dedicated facility for the English, French, and Creative and Performing Arts departments. He appealed for continued support from the French Embassy and the international community to realize this vision.