Mali Peace Corp pen pal visits Watkinson School

Watkinson School’s Director of World Languages Hillary Sibille of West Hartford connected her students to the latest conflict in Mali, the recent coup d'état in Mali—which sacked the democratic government of President Ahmadou Toumani Toure. Using Coverdell’s World Wise Schools, Sibille connected with Chris DiFranco, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali and they have been emailing since last fall. Sibile's class sent questions to DiFranco, who replied with long narratives, photos, and movie suggestions. After months of correspondence and DiFranco's abrupt departure from Mali (because of the conflict Peace Corps volunteers were evacuated), DiFranco finally joined the class at Watkinson School in June. Watkinson students got handwritten letters from DiFranco's students in Mali. Students also presented their final project: a French-language website based on their research about French West Africa. Photo: Submitted. Chris DiFranco during a visit with Watkinson School’s third and fourth year French student.