The Education President has warned of the decline of foreign language speaking and wants to see more exchange links with France.
Deputy Paul Montague told the States he was “very concerned” with fewer students and adults seeking out or maintaining a second language and said it was something “we need to embed”.
He was responding to a question from Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miler who asked what was being done to improve French language skills for children and adults.
The Economic Development President referenced the Brittany Ferries contract and the recent surge in French visitors to the island following enhanced promotion of the islands.
Deputy Montague said the decline in modern foreign languages was a nation-wide problem but said he was committed to seeing improvements.
“We are so close to France and I genuinely think it’s incredibly important that we build those links,” he said.
He also noted that the teaching of “our own language” needs improvements in schools.
Deputy Montague said that exchange programmes with French schools “are no longer so easy”.
Guernsey was recently profiled on French television station M6, with assistance from Visit Guernsey and Brittany Ferries:
Deputy Montague had earlier announced that the Bailiwick would participate in a French project marking the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth and his impact across Normandy.
Representatives from Education, Sport & Culture will attend a launch in Caen next month and workshops are being set up to help shape a wide range of events for 2027.
He also announced that French language materials were being extended at cultural and tourism sites across the island in response to the huge year-on-year increases in French visitors.
“Leaflets for the Guernsey Museum, Castle Cornet, Fort Grey and the Naval Signals HQ are now available in French. From next season, all permanent Guernsey Museum gallery boards will be bilingual. New learning resources have been developed for French school groups, and French-language tours of Castle Cornet will be offered for large parties,” he said.
Visitors from Jersey travelling on Islands Unlimited foot passenger services will also be entitled to a 10% discount at Guernsey Museums sites.
The States put on French lessons for hospitality staff and businesses earlier this month to ensure the skills were in place to meet the surge in interest from French travelers.
The French market is also returning to Market Square for the first time in two years next month, with travelling stalls offering local produce, alcohol, knitwear and cosmetics.