Crowdfunding to Boost French Immersion Program in Victoria

Last week the Guardian reported that in 2013, Crowdfunding website Kickstarter raised $480m, up 50% on the previous year, with the funds pledged by over 3m people. Aussie family run business French4Family, are hoping to capture some of this Crowdfunding enthusiasm and raise over $5k to expand their French Rocks Program, using Australian Crowdfunding site Pozible.

French Rocksis an innovative French immersion method for under 6’s that aims to enrich children’s intellectual development and ability to be open-minded to other languages and cultures. Developed by native French speakers and educators Myriam Bourdon and Sabrina Babiel, the French Rocks Program immerses children in new sounds, words, expressions, and in the richness of French culture.

Research carried out during the last few years has shown that learning a second language, can enhance children’s overall mental development, with benefits including increased language skills, self-esteem, thinking and reasoning skills and maths ability plus a greater self confidence.

“My partner and I moved to Australia in 2007, we started this business in 2010 to bring our passion for the French language into the homes and hearts of Australian families,” says Founder Myriam Bourdon, “The benefits of learning a second language are significant, and we know the best time is when children are under 6. We launched French Rocks to teach children along with their families our language and immerse them in our culture”

Sharynne McLeod, Professor in Speech and Language Acquisition at Charles Sturt University, says that there are both cognitive and social benefits of learning multiple languages in early childhood. The benefits include increased attention, increased working memory and a better awareness of how language works.

The French Rocks method is designed with a set of songs, flashcards and activities. In complete immersion, the child will build essential vocabulary with confidence accompanied by a parent. The program so far has been well received with families, but now the syllabus needs to expand to meet the needs of language development.

“We have completed the materials for the first term and we need support to provide high quality materials for terms 2, 3 and 4 and keep the program affordable to all families.” Says Myriam, “We are hoping parents will get behind us, we need to raise at least $5,820 to keep our dream of bringing the French language and culture into the homes of children across Australia alive.”

The campaign launches on February 3^rd and all pledges over $5 will receive a thank you gift, for example a $5 pledge receives a digital download of French Rocks song. To get involved visit www.pozible.com/frenchrocks or follow www.facebook.com/French4Family.

ENDS

Source: The Guardian & Sharynne McLeod