The Alliance Francaise de Mitchell’s Plain, a French cultural and language centre, needs public support to aid its revival, says Janine Overmeyer, the vice president of its board.
Located opposite the Hazeldene taxi rank in Portland, the centre opened in October 1987, offering French lessons and promoting the francophone culture.
“Over the years, we’ve had many exchanges, networking and collaborating with French artists who presented their culture, theatre, etc.,” Ms Overmeyer said.
The facility is now home to several organisations, including Famsa, which offers family and relationship counselling, the Children’s Resource Centre and a hair salon.
It is also used by Blaqpearl Foundation, which offers training for the youth and hosts events focussing on self-worth, identity and transformation.
Ms Overmeyer said the organisation wanted to reintroduce French lessons, subject to demand from the public.
For an annual membership fee of R10, members get several benefits, including discounted lessons and access to the centre’s events and programmes.
“Mitchell’s Plain Alliance Francaise is very much community and culture orientated. This place is in the heart of Mitchell’s Plain. It is for the community, and we need them to have a voice when it comes to matters like electing a new board at our upcoming annual general meeting, which will still be announced.
“We appeal to the community to collaborate with us on cultural events, training and other opportunities to best use this space, and to support our upcoming programmes and activities. Our doors are always open to them.”
The facility can also be hired for events at a fee of R160 per hour. For more information, contact the facility manager Anita Forbes at 073 469 7775.
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