THE French International School of Harare is set to host more than 600 students from over 40 schools across the country for a French song contest next month.
The two-day event, scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2026, is expected to draw 660 learners from 44 schools, accompanied by 88 French teachers.
Now in its third edition, the competition has grown into one of the country’s major platforms for promoting the French language.
School head Laetitia Cibrario said preparations were at an advanced stage to welcome participants from both primary and secondary schools.
“The French International School of Harare is preparing to welcome, in one month, 660 students from 44 schools across the country for our French songs contest. So this contest is the third edition of the French songs contest,” she told NewsDay Life & Style.
“This major two-day event will also bring together the 88 French teachers accompanying the participants.”
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Cibrario said the initiative formed part of broader cultural ties between France and Zimbabwe.
“This initiative is fully in line with Franco-Zimbabwean cultural co-operation and the Zim FLE programme, led by the French embassy, which aims to strengthen the presence and teaching of French in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The contest will be held in two segments, with primary schools competing on March 19 and secondary schools taking to the stage the following day. Winners will receive prizes in the presence of invited dignitaries.
“. . . it is really part of cultural co-operation between France and Zimbabwe. So on March 19, we will have the primary schools and on the 20th, the secondary schools. It's a partnership with local schools, private for most of them,” Cibrario said.
She said the event represented an important platform for promoting the French language and the influence of the Francophone, while showcasing the creativity of learners across the country.
“The contest promises a moment of sharing, creativity and recognition of the dynamism of French learners across the country,” Cibrario said.
The event will be graced by the French ambassador to Zimbabwe, Paul-Bertrand Barets, as well as diplomats from other French-speaking countries.
Up to 15 students will perform on stage before a jury comprising ambassadors and diplomats from French-speaking nations, including Greece, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Canada and Egypt.
“. . . in the presence of the French ambassador, the winners will be awarded presents, gifts. So it's going to be a really big event. It's the first time that we host this kind of event with such a national dimension to it,” Cibrario said.