Eleven children aged between five and 13 years from Stockwell and Oval recently began a free six week French course at the Hyde Group’s Stockwell offices in Clapham Road.
Kilumbo Sebastiao, an Angolan-born volunteer and resident of Hyde Southbank Homes, who is delivering the lessons says: “I wanted to prove my commitment to the community I live in by doing something useful and I thought that by giving young residents the chance to learn French I would be able to do this.
“I would like the children to be comfortable with the basics so that they can have a simple conversation in French when they go back to school or even if they go to France for their holidays.”
The programme, which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays starts at 10 am and runs until 12 when the children end the lesson with some delicious treats.
Maria Restrepo, Administrative Officer at Hyde’s Stockwell office, said: “We are delighted to have so many children in the office. They enjoyed getting involved and even the parents seemed excited. I can’t wait to hear them converse with confidence at the end of the six weeks.”
Komal Doan, Resident Involvement Officer, explained that the classes are part of Hyde’s summer programme in Stockwell and the Oval which aims to help residents keep busy and have fun whilst learning new skills.
Mr Sebastio, who trained as a teacher, is currently also establishing the Stockwell French Club which will run French courses for adults on Saturday mornings at the Stockwell Resource Centre.
