Teachers interviewed by RFI said they received rapid national-language training about two weeks after the school year began. In the first primary year, the model assigns approximately 90% of written and oral teaching to the majority language of the locality, with French taking a smaller role.
The language used depends on the school’s linguistic zone, rather than each child’s family background. French’s share is intended to rise through primary education, reaching 90% in the fifth year; the primary-school certificate examination remains in French.
One teacher posted to Fada N’Gourma said she did not command Gulmancéma, the designated local language. Others distinguished everyday fluency from the ability to teach reading, writing and subject content. Some parents said they had received little explanation of the change and planned to provide additional French support at home.