Promoting the art

Starting from October 31,1907 Alliance Ethio-Francaise has been the leading cultural center in Addis Ababa; hosting a number of art exhibitions, fashion shows, music shows and many other programs. Moreover, a significant number of Ethiopians and the foreign community have studied French at this Center. Alliance is to launch a series of year- long celebrations to mark its 100th anniversary as well as the new Ethiopian millennium. Capital’s Kirubel Tadesse talked to its new director who has been in Addis only a few weeks but is already engaged in organizing events that will define the Alliance’s hundred year presence in Addis.

Capital: Please introduce your self to our readers
Courdent: My name is Denis- Charles Courdent. I am nearly forty years old, quite an old man now (smile). I am married to a very nice and kind wife who is a teacher. We have three children. We went first to Vietnam, for two years and then I taught in France. After that I spent four years in Scotland, which is a fantastic country. And now I am here in Ethiopia; I am very proud and very happy to be here. Since this is considered as a very good position, it was very difficult to be nominated for the job since it is one of the best of its kind in the world. I am here to stay for three years and I look forward to it.
Capital: Give us a brief description about Alliance Ethio-Francaise’s history in Ethiopia?
Courdent: This year is not only a time we celebrate the Ethiopian millennium but also the one hundred-year anniversary of Alliance too. This is a very good thing. It all started in 1907. Back then it was just a small school, the Lycee Geberemairm was also here at the time. Some people tell me that Alliance is one of the best centers in Addis Ababa. It is also a favorite place for artists to exhibit. Musicians tell me that we have a good sound system and everything else they require. I think Alliance has been one of the leading cultural centers in Addis Ababa.
Capital: How is the Alliance organized internationally?
Courdent: Alliance is the first network of such institutions in the world. It is a large network consisting of more than one thousand one hundred branches all over the world. It has always had a local association to work with. It is not something directly linked with France but rather it is run by a local board of directors. For example here in Ethiopia, we are not only doing things for the French community but also for Ethiopian art, music and painting. Ethiopian Alliance is one of the best, which is well respected by the French government; some Alliances around the world are not always as strong as this one. More or less, over two hundred fifty alliances are supported by the French government. You may find an alliance in the world with just one teacher. Here we have many class rooms, teachers and cultural activities. We have a budget we collect from our classes and also a budget from the embassy which is the most important one and we also have many sponsors. there are more than twenty teachers and altogether, the staff comprises of around seventy people.
Capital: Tell us about the history of Lycee Geberemariam?
Courdent: The First French school was here at Alliance and then moved to Lycee Geberemariam. We retained the teaching of French for Ethiopians and other foreigners here. At the Lycee Geberemariam, the education is given based on the French and Ethiopian Curriculum while here, the French language is given to people of all age groups.
Capital: In which non Francophone African countries do we find Alliance?
Courdent: You can find either Alliance or other cultural centers in all African countries. Alliance in Africa is very important, not only for the history we share with Africa but also for French speaking links France has with West African countries.
Capital: What kind of events should the public be looking forward to?
Courdent: Next week on Wednesday October 31, 2007, we are beginning the Alliance’s hundred- year’s anniversary celebrations. During the one year celebration we will have many events such as exhibitions, cinemas, literature and symposiums. Since it is also a new millennium, we will have sponsors and supporters and we expect a visitor from Paris at the end of November. This is the Secretary General of Alliance who will come to visit Addis Ababa. It is a great thing that the millennium can attract many artists and people. Many people including artists will come and we are trying to have very famous French speaking writers.
Capital: Many come to learn French at Alliance, specially the youth, what inspires them to do so?
Courdent: I think it is because they are intelligent. I think that when you are clever you see that one language isn’t enough. If you speak only Amharic, well that is good, but if you add English, you can better open your mind. French is a very important language in Africa; just see the links with Djibouti and West African countries. I think in Africa, if you can speak French and English it is very useful. In order to have a good job it is better to speak French also, you have all these diplomats here who speak French who come from French speaking countries. Language is not something to choose but to add.
Capital: It has been only a few weeks since you arrived living in Addis Ababa. What was your expectation and now, when you see the reality, do the two add up?
Courdent: It is my first time to come to Africa and I see that this is a very interesting place. Ethiopia is very different to the Africa we have in mind. Frankly speaking, I am very surprised in a good way. I find very honest and clever people full of spirituality, awareness and knowledge. I am really surprised by what I have seen here, very interesting people, fantastic artists in painting and music. I really want to tell you that it is a great country. I am completely amazed by this country, not only by the weather, which is amazing by itself, but also the people too are fantastic.
Capital: Any closing words?
Courdent: Come to the anniversary celebration that lasts for one year! It will be for every one; children, adults, French speaking or not, all are invited. We will prepare out-door screens atAlliance to display some famous films and introduce the historical places of France. I would like to tell It would be great your readers could be aware that from the end of October to mid- June, there is always something to see at Alliance everyday.