At least 22 Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers on Friday received certificates after attending a French lancgauge course at Alliance Française de Blantyre.
Brigadier General Patrick Simwaka hailed the officers for completing the course that runs from June 15 to tomorrow, culminating in their writing the international Delf examinations next week.
“French is important for our troops as it helps in communications during international missions. I, therefore, encourage you to keep practising the language because your usage of the language is beneficial within the rank and file of the army,” he said.
Of the 22 soldiers, 15 finished the first A1 level of the language while seven completed a higher level B1.
“Initially, there were nine officers for the B1 course but two were deployed to other missions, one in Cameroon and the other in Senegal. From their dialogues, it is clear that learning has taken place,” said Major Pearson Mwalabu, a coordinator from the MDF.
Alliance Française course director Poya Chapweteka said completing the course was satisfying.
“We are gratified because they came with no knowledge of French but here they are, speaking proficiently. Indeed, the learning must not end here,” he said.
