TORONTO, April 19, 2013 – On April 25, 2013, almost 200 students from 20 schools in the Greater Toronto Area will gather at York University’s Glendon Campus for the French for the Future Toronto Local Forum. Held annually, the Local Forum offers students a day full of activities that highlight the benefits of bilingualism through the acquisition of French. The Local Forum also gives students enrolled in French Immersion, Core French, and French First Language programs the rare opportunity to meet outside of school for a day spent entirely in French.
Under the theme “Your choices, your future”, students will take part in interactive workshops and presentations which will inspire and help them share their passion for the French language in their own communities.
This year’s Toronto Local Forum presenters include Dr. Guy Proulx from Glendon College, Louise Gauvreau from the 2015 Parapan American Games, Marlye Monfiston from the Ministry of Education and many more from various fields of expertise. Juno Award winner singer-songwriter Andrea Lindsay will also be present to give a performance in the afternoon.
Since 1997, more than a dozen French for the Future Local Forums take place in communities across the country, highlighting a national connection and interest in bilingualism. Moreover each Local Forum is organized by a local committee, which ensures that the region’s unique culture is represented. This year, the Toronto Local Forum is organized in collaboration with Glendon College, and made possible through the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of Ontario, RBC Royal Bank and TD Canada Trust.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
French for the Future is a not-for-profit organization that motivates and encourages Canadian high school students on their path towards bilingualism.
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Contact: Chloé Beckford, Local Forum Coordinator, 416-736-2100 x 88564 / cbeckford@glendon.yorku.ca
