Learn it, Speak it, Love it! The Alliance Française was created in 1883 in Paris under the aegis of Paul Cambon and Pierre Foncin, around personalities such as Jules Verne, Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Armand Colin and Jules Renan. Today, it is the leading cultural network worldwide, with 1,040 establishments in 136 countries on all five continents. Each year, 450,000 people, of all ages,
attend Alliances Françaises to learn French and more than 6 million people participate in their cultural activities. The network is coordinated by the Alliance Française Foundation (Fondation Alliance Française). When the French government decided to close the Consulat in Jersey, a few francophiles and French people got together to find a way of maintaining a French link on the island. The Alliance Française in Jersey was then created in 1996 thanks to the will and enthusiasm of Sir Peter Crill, former Baillif of Jersey, Mrs Pierrette Corsane, former French tutor, M. Pierre Aguiton, at the time President du Conseil General de la Manche. Ideally situated in the Jersey old Library at 5 Library Place, the AF was set up in 1996. Official training provider for the States, the AF has also developed partnerships with Education, Sport and Culture, St Helier Town Hall and is keen to maintain close relationships with local bodies and associations. The AF in Jersey offers a wide range of tuition as well as a translation service and cultural activities in partnership with the French Section of the Societe Jersiaise. Our Values
Each Alliance Française is a local not-for-profit organisation operating autonomously with no political or religious commitments. All Alliances Françaises work towards three essential tasks:
Offering French classes for all, both in France and abroad
Spreading awareness of French and Francophone culture
Promoting cultural diversity
Alliances Françaises have shared values which drive the network, acting as the basis for all their actions:
Respect for cultural diversity, a passion for exchanges and solidarity
The values of the not-for-profit sector
Conviviality
Striving for excellence in all activities undertaken
Modernity and innovation
Committee Members
Chairman
Mr John Harris, Non Executive Chairman - Crestibridge
Treasurer
Mr Peter St George, Former Accountant
Members
Miss Christine Bonhomme, Director of La Maison de la Normandie
Mrs Rachael Surcouf, Primary Lead, Education Department & French Teacher - French Experience
Mr Michael DE LA HAYE, Former Greffier of the States
Mr Jérôme THERESE, Senior Investment Officer at Team Asset Management
Mr Pierre Chays, Honorary French Consul & Harbour Pilot
