Narrowing the gap between the information rich and the information poor :
New technologies and the future of the school

French-speaking Educational Channel or the School Radio Numerical Project of the French speaking world

African French-speaking space

This Educational Channel is the biggest program of the Intergovernmental Agency of the French-speaking world. It is a program intended to put into practice a numerical radio system on the African French-speaking space. The satellite Afristar, belonging to the World Space Society, is in charge of the educational and cultural functions of the radio. Launched as an experimental project, this experience aims at a wider, multilateral and more coordinated action of reinforcement and opening of the whole French-speaking community. In fact, the EF Canal program of educational, training and intellectual enrichment, also used by non French-speaking countries' populations interested in the French language and culture, wants to use the multimedia dimension linked to numerical technology, in order to transmit the knowledge of the mutual cultural backgrounds of all populations for whom French is a common language.

This program is oriented toward educational and training institutions (schools, colleges, high schools and also universities and professional training centers), rural and urban communities. The targeted emissions are numbered and oriented, first toward a station, and then toward the Afristar satellite. This satellite spreads them out on aces of the coverage zone. The emissions produced by the AIF studios or furnished by the EF Channel radio partners are available to the public. If it is true that the program is not intended to become a classical school radio, it is also true that it develops a great many broadcasts aimed at the educational sector and foresees the equipment of the program reception and emission model sites, at an institutional level (DIDAC network).

Radio is a privileged educational tool and distance training device, which can equally get to marginalized populations. This fact justifies the choice of the EF Channel as a means of communication. One of the interests of the program is also to aim at developing a pedagogical sharing and exchanging program network. Finally, it also encourages the proposal and development of class initiatives, projects or institutions linked to the Educational Channel.

Mr. Mamadou-Ousmane
BA Person in charge of Program EF CHANNEL
Tel.: 01 44 37 32 72
Fax: 01 44 37 33 34
E-mail: mamadou.ba@francophonie.org
Intergovernmental Agency of the French-speaking World - DEFTP
13, Quai André Citoën - 75015 - Paris - France
Website : http://agence.francophonie.org

Institutional Partners
World Space
Financial Partners
Intergovernmental Agency for the French-speaking World.

Program Ratification in 1999 and effective launching in 2000.