Young ambassadors of bilingualism gather in Halifax

TORONTO , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - French for the Future's National Ambassador Youth Forum will be held in Halifax from February 13th to 16th.

A prestigious event held in a different Canadian city each year, the Forum brings together 30 high school students from across Canada , chosen for their leadership skills and commitment to bilingualism.

"What an exceptional and unique experience," said Nura Mazloom, a 2009 ambassador from London , Ontario. "The Forum really showed me the beauty of Francophone cultures and my French studies at school now have a new depth."

During their four-day stay in Halifax , ambassadors will explore topics related to Canada's Francophone cultures and the advantages and challenges of bilingualism. "The interactive workshops and activities in which they will partake will truly help them take stock of the real-life advantages of being bilingual and their role as ambassadors," says Helen Coltrinari, French for the Future President.

Through visits to key sites such as Grand-Pré, students will learn about the Acadian culture and how it and its history relate to them and language issues throughout the country.

On Monday February 15th , the media is invited to witness the ambassadors' discussion with the Honourable Graham Steele , Minister of Acadian Affairs in Nova Scotia, at 9:00 am in the Commons Room at the Hotel Atlantica, 1980 Robie St., Halifax .

For more information, log on to French for the Future's website:

www.french-future.org

For further information: or to arrange an interview with the ambassadors contact Elise Newman, Communications Coordinator, tel. [phone] ext. 221, email. [email protected], fax. [phone]