Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is looking to deepen its long-standing education relationship with France, with Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides set to travel to the country from Sept. 12 to 19 for a series of meetings focused on international collaboration.
During the visit, Nicolaides will hold discussions with French education authorities on expanding opportunities for students and teachers to gain experience abroad. The mission will also focus on strengthening existing links between Alberta and French education institutions while identifying new areas for cooperation.
Two new agreements are expected to mark a key part of the visit. Alberta’s government will sign a letter of intent with France’s National Ministry of Education and a memorandum of understanding with La Région Académique Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
The agreements are intended to renew the education partnership between Alberta and France and provide a framework for further cooperation, including mobility opportunities for students and teachers in both jurisdictions.
Nicolaides said maintaining strong ties with France was important for Alberta, particularly in supporting the province’s francophone and French-language education programs.
The minister will be joined on the mission by superintendents representing Alberta’s four francophone school boards: Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, Conseil scolaire Centre-Est and Conseil scolaire du Nord-Ouest.
The delegation’s participation is expected to provide Alberta’s francophone education authorities with an opportunity to engage directly with their French counterparts and explore initiatives that can broaden international learning and professional exchange opportunities.
