By Prescilia Bolosier | Co-director
Language is far more than words. It is what connects us to others, what allows us to exist in their eyes, and to find our place in the world around us.
At SFM Clichy, learning French means learning to tell your own story, to exchange with others, to belong. Our workshops are built around everyday situations and hands-on learning, because a language is best learned by living it, not only by practicing it.
Opening up to French culture also means discovering new references, new codes, a new way of inhabiting society — a path toward integration that asks no one to give up who they are.
2025 Key Figures
131 people in French classes
A1 – B1 proficiency levels covered
2 000 people supported by SFM in 2025
Fatima’s Journey
Fatima has been supported in French classes for several years, and her level improved quickly. Through her perseverance and courage, she continues to attend French classes at SFM Clichy today, now at level A2. Proud of her journey, she shares her story:
“I arrived in France in 2008. Since 2020, I have been enrolled at SFM Clichy. At first, I struggled to understand the currency, the language, and everyday interactions.
I have 4 children; I waited for them to grow up before learning myself. I went through a difficult ordeal, and I didn’t want to find myself in that kind of moment unable to communicate.
When I enrolled at SFM Clichy, I was at Alpha level; today, I am at A2 and I finally feel free to express myself. I love working on conjugations, which help me communicate better.
Delphine, who leads our sociolinguistic workshops, has supported me from the start and means a lot to me; Nathalie, another instructor, is also very kind, and Laurence, a volunteer, introduces me to new things, including cultural outings such as museums or even the National Assembly.”
Fatima’s story reflects what we see every day: language is not just a tool, it is a key to freedom of expression, self-confidence, and a full, rightful place in society.
Why This Matters
For many newly arrived adults, the language barrier can lead to isolation, difficulty accessing one’s rights, or fear of speaking up. Learning to speak means regaining confidence and the means to become an active participant in one’s own life: communicating with a child’s school, understanding an administrative process, or simply talking with a neighbor.
By supporting this project, you help people like Fatima find their voice, build connections, and construct, word by word, a lasting place in French society.
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