French International School of Harare to Host National French Song Contest
- Southerton Business Times
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
The French International School of Harare is set to host more than 600 students from over 40 schools nationwide for a major French song contest scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2026.
A total of 660 learners from 44 schools are expected to participate in the two-day event, accompanied by 88 French teachers. Now in its third edition, the competition has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s leading platforms for promoting the French language and strengthening cultural exchange.
School head Laetitia Cibrario said preparations were at an advanced stage to welcome participants from both primary and secondary institutions.
“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,” Cibrario said.
“This major two-day event will also bring together the 88 French teachers accompanying the participants.”
Strengthening Franco-Zimbabwean Cultural Ties
Cibrario said the initiative aligns with broader cultural cooperation between France and Zimbabwe, particularly under the Zim FLE programme led by the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe.
“This initiative is fully in line with Franco-Zimbabwean cultural co-operation and the Zim FLE programme, which aims to strengthen the presence and teaching of French in Zimbabwe,” she said.
The contest will be split into two segments, with primary schools competing on March 19 and secondary schools performing on March 20. 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 added.
National Platform for French Learners
Up to 15 students will take to the stage before a distinguished jury made up of ambassadors and diplomats from French-speaking nations. The event will be graced by the French ambassador to Zimbabwe, Paul-Bertrand Barets, alongside representatives from countries including Greece, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Canada, and Egypt.
Cibrario described the contest as a celebration of creativity and linguistic excellence.
“The contest promises a moment of sharing, creativity and recognition of the dynamism of French learners across the country,” she said.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the school is hosting the event on such a broad national scale, reflecting growing interest in French language education in Zimbabwe.
French song contest Harare 2026
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