The AFEI Program: FAQ

What is the AFEI program?

The AFEI program ("Alliance Française Educational Initiative") is an outreach community program initiated in 2002 by the Alliance Française de Washington under the patronage of Ms. Anne Bujon de l’Estang, wife of then-Ambassador of France to the US, H.E. Mr. Bujon de l’Estang and in close partnership with the DCPS.

The main goals of this program are to bring an initiation to the French language and Francophone world to underprivileged elementary DC public schools (DCPS) and to give them an appreciation of French cultures (from France and the French-speaking world) through students participation in some of the Alliance Française cultural activities, either on or off-site. The program runs on the basis of three years in a school.

How can I contribute to the AFEI program?

The Alliance Française works in close relationship with the District of Columbia Public Schools System (DCPS) to implement this program, and uses the services of its own employees and French language teachers.

We do not recruit temporary volunteers except for rare occasions, e.g. our Christmas and Mardi Gras children parties. Should you be still interested in volunteering for one of these events, please feel free to contact our AFEI Program Manager at 202-234-7911 X 31 to set up a time for us to meet and discuss this matter together.

To contribute financially to the program, please call us to receive an invitation to our annual Gala. Whether you wish to attend or not, donations are accepted at this time only.

What kind of cultural activities are organized in the AFEI program?

Regular cultural workshops with French singers, actors and lecturers are offered in AFEI elementary schools.

Some are directly selected from the Alliance Française’s own cultural programs while others were specifically organized for ABEI.

These cultural activities are a key to opening students’ minds, raising their curiosity and encouraging them to learn French.