the Green Life Club-2« Learning English Through Conversation, Collaboration, and Creativity«
This year, the students of Seconde GT at LHS, Moanda, took the initiative to explore the different clubs in our school. Their main Objectivewas to encourage young learners to express themselves with confidence in English, improve their language skills, and develop their ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations. Divided into four groups, the students selected different themes related to school life and their personal interests. Through these activities, they had the opportunity to hold meaningful conversations with the Principal, the Deputy Principal, and teachers at the school. These exchanges allowed them to practise speaking English, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about the role of clubs in promoting students’ personal and academic development.
The Environment Club: Promoting Environmental Awareness
The group had the opportunity to hold a conversation with the Principal of the school, Mr. Stephan Madrias. During this exchange, the students discussed environmental issues and the importance of creating a clean and healthy learning environment. This conversation also gave them valuable practice in asking questions, listening attentively, and expressing their ideas in English.
Here is the conversation:
The first group chose to focus on the environment. Their objective was to raise awareness of environmental protection and encourage students to adopt responsible habits, such as keeping the school clean, reducing waste, and protecting nature.
The Music Club: Expressing Creativity Through Music
The second group chose music as its main topic. Their objective was to explore the importance of music in students’ lives and show how it can be used as a means of expression, creativity, and communication. Through their discussions, the students had the opportunity to talk about musical preferences, different genres, favourite artists, and the role of music in bringing people together. The activity also encouraged them to develop their speaking skills by describing their interests, giving opinions, and responding to questions in English. In this way, music became more than a source of entertainment; it became a useful tool for language learning and personal expression.
By switching between English and French, the students were able to communicate their ideas while strengthening their language abilities. The activity also helped them develop confidence, improve their vocabulary, and become more comfortable expressing themselves in different languages.
The Green Life Club: Encouraging Sustainable Living
The second group, known as “The Green Life Club,” held conversations in both English and French. Their objective was to promote environmentally friendly practices and encourage students to adopt a greener lifestyle. The group had a one-on-one conversation with the Deputy Principal, Mme Sandrine Tindjogo. This exchange provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of environmental responsibility within the school community.
The Football Club: Promoting Teamwork and Sportsmanship
The fourth group took us into the world of football. Their objective was to highlight the importance of sport in school life, particularly its role in promoting teamwork, discipline, respect, and a healthy lifestyle. Football is a popular sport among young people, making it an engaging subject for conversation. The students could discuss their favourite teams and players, the benefits of physical activity, and the values that football teaches both on and off the field. By discussing a subject they enjoy, the learners had an opportunity to use English in a natural and enjoyable way. They could practise asking and answering questions, explaining their opinions, and communicating with greater fluency.
The Importance of School Clubs in Language Learning
The activities organised by the students of Seconde GT demonstrated that school clubs can play an important role in both academic and personal development. Beyond the specific objectives of each group, the project had a common goal: to help students speak English with greater confidence and improve their overall communication skills.
By holding conversations with the Principal, the Deputy Principal, and teachers, the students experienced authentic communication in a school environment. They learned to formulate questions, listen carefully, respond appropriately, and express their thoughts in a foreign language. Furthermore, working in groups encouraged collaboration, responsibility, creativity, and mutual support. Each group had to organise its ideas, prepare questions, and participate actively in the discussions. These experiences helped the students understand that learning English is not limited to grammar exercises, written assignments, or examinations. It is also about using the language to communicate, interact, and build relationships with others.
The initiative undertaken by the Seconde GT students of LHS, Moanda, was a valuable learning experience. Through their exploration of the different school clubs, they discovered that their interests in the environment, music, football, and other areas could become opportunities for meaningful communication. Most importantly, the project gave them a chance to put their English into practice by speaking with members of the school administration and teachers. It encouraged them to overcome their fear of making mistakes, develop their vocabulary, and express themselves more confidently.
Ultimately, the School Clubs of LHS, Moanda, represent more than extracurricular activities; they are spaces for learning, interaction, creativity, and personal growth. By encouraging students to communicate in English, the initiative supports the development of language skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.
