March 12, 2025
In recognition of Francophonie Month, we’d like to explore the dynamic of the Community Residence at the St. Vital community home from a Francophone point of view. This residence is home to Roger, a French-speaking individual supported by St.Amant. Marcel Fisette, Manager of Communications had the opportunity to visit this residence and to speak with Djeneba Tangara and Daniel Oyela, two staff members at the St. Vital community home. They had a meaningful conversation, and were able to gain insight into their experiences working in this bilingual environment.
Marcel Fisette: Good morning! I’d like to start with just Djeneba and Daniel. Maybe you could introduce yourselves and tell us how long you’ve been with St.Amant.
Djeneba Tangara: My name is Djeneba and I’ve been with St.Amant for about 6 years, and in this role for 3 years. It’s been a fantastic experience so far.
MF: That’s great, thank you. And how about you, Daniel?
Daniel Oyela: Hi! I’m Daniel Oyela. I’ve been with St.Amant barely three and a half to four years now, and it’s been very, very great. Working with St.Amant and with my team leader and the key worker here has been wonderful. She’s an amazing leader to me. Staff encouraged each other to speak French Language anywhere, by this, we can improve in our speaking it, since it is a language that is alive. – La langue Francaise est une langue qui vivre.
MF: Okay, so, in recognition of Francophonie Month here in Manitoba, I’d like to ask you, what has your experience been working in a bilingual home?
DT: Oh, great. First of all, French is my first language, and that was one of the biggest reasons I applied to St.Amant. St.Amant was offering me the opportunity to work in my own language. Working with people with intellectual disabilities who share the same language and values as me was something I was looking for, and that’s what I got.
MF: That’s great. So, how does French in daily interactions enhance the quality of the support you provide?
DT: I would say the fact that people know they have staff who can provide services in French is a plus for them and their family members. For example, when I greet Roger with a “Bonjour” in the morning, it makes him feel comfortable right away. Knowing that staff respect and understand their language and culture puts people at ease. Family members also appreciate it when they can call and speak to someone in French. It makes them feel welcomed and understood.
MF: That makes perfect sense. Has using French helped you build stronger connections with the people you support?
DT: Definitely, yes. When you start with “Bonjour,” it immediately makes people feel more comfortable. Some individuals won’t respond to English but respond immediately when you greet them in French. It shows respect for their identity, which helps build trust and a stronger bond. It’s wonderful to see their excitement when they hear someone speaking their language.
MF: Absolutely. What challenges and successes have you experienced while working in a bilingual home?
DT: One challenge is that some people speak French but are hesitant because they’re afraid of being judged for their accent or grammar. French has a lot of rules, like gendered articles, and some people worry about making mistakes. But we encourage each other, and over time, people gain confidence.
The success comes when you see the joy on someone’s face because they feel understood. When we speak their language, they know we are truly trying to connect with them. It builds meaningful relationships and helps deliver better care.
MF: Wonderful. Daniel, how do you and your colleagues support each other in maintaining a bilingual environment, especially when language levels vary?
DO: It can be challenging because some staff come from English-speaking backgrounds like me. But we encourage each other and collaborate to ensure we’re delivering excellent service. Mistakes happen, but we help each other improve. Our focus is always on providing the best support possible to the people we serve. We remember that we’re here for them, and that helps us stay motivated to work together.
DT: For example, Roger will sometimes say something in French that one staff member doesn’t understand, but another staff member can step in and help. We also have team members who are stronger in French helping those who are still learning. By supporting each other, we’re all improving our language skills and providing better care.
MF: That’s great teamwork. What advice would you give to staff who are learning French and working in a designated bilingual home for the first time?
DT: Be confident. Some people are excited about learning French but feel shy or embarrassed to try. My advice is to just go for it! We don’t judge here, and as long as you’re open to learning, you’ll improve. French is a beautiful language, and you’ll pick it up if you approach it with enthusiasm and confidence.
MF: Great advice. In closing, I’d like to ask Roger a question. Roger, what do you think of living in a bilingual home? Do you enjoy this French space?
Roger: It’s good to meet you. Yes. Yes, yes, yes. (smiling)
MF: Excellent. Well, that’s wonderful.
Thank you, Djeneba, Daniel, and Roger, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your dedication to creating a welcoming, bilingual environment truly enhances the quality of care at the St. Vital community home. It’s inspiring to see how language and culture play such an important role in building meaningful connections. Merci beaucoup!
