What is an Alliance Française ?

The Alliance Française de Pondichéry, a non-profit association, was created in 1889, among the first Alliances in the world – after the one in Paris – and the first one founded in India. Its purpose is to promote the French language and culture and to foster understanding between India and France by developing cultural exchanges between the two countries. Its action is independent of any political, religious or commercial influence or aim.

It offers language courses and cultural activities, as well as related activities (translation service, exam preparation, etc.).

The Alliance of Pondichéry is known as an institution of excellence in teaching for its wide-ranging courses and training-programs and for the quality of its cultural activities. Today, the Alliance continues to develop and to become more and more dynamic. An increasing number of students, a growing membership and more! More French classes! More cultural events! More facilities to learn French with fun! A space for dialogue and exchange, the Alliance trains the students while giving them an opportunity to grow and blossom in an agreeable setting.

Our teachers, specialists in teaching French as a foreign language, will help the students to discover the language of diplomacy and romantic elegance, with the help of modern stimulating methods.

Ever since its creation in 1884, the Alliance Française de Paris has helped the Alliances Françaises expand their network the world over. In July 2007, its status was modified and it became the Fondation Alliance Française. This foundation is officially recognised as a non-profit organisation and represents the moral and legal referent of the Alliances Françaises throughout the world.

The Fondation has the exclusive ownership of the “Alliance Française” label and grants the right to use it. Whenever a new Alliance is created, it has to refer to the Fondation in order to be officially recognised after examination of its statuses. Prior to the attribution of this label the Fondation ensures that the associations, which abide by local law, also respect a set of guiding principles defined by itself and common to all the Alliances. These principles include strict political and religious neutrality with respect to local disputes.

The Fondation supports good governance in the Alliances. It has experts organised according to geographical zones, capable of reacting and advising an Alliance Française when it encounters a difficulty. The Fondation is supported jointly by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Education which contribute to its budget and to the management of its workforce. Twelve permanent collaborators work at the Fondation. Its Board of Directors comprises renowned personalities like Hélène Carrère d’Encausse, permanent secretary at the Académie française, writer Eric Orsena, journalist Bernard Pivot. Its sponsors, CIC- Banque Transatlantique, Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, le Cordon Bleu, Total, constitute an active school. Its principal donors, among whom is Pierre Moussa, founder of Paribas, also have a seat there.

AFP BYELAWS (English)

AFP BYELAWS (French)

For more, you can visit the website of the Fondation Alliance Française: www.fondation-alliancefr.org/