La Veillée

Leblanc Elementary: French Immersion Program

Vermilion Parish considers itself to be the most Cajun place in the world, but its French immersion program is still just a few years old. In this episode, we learn what makes French immersion unique and why it's critical for keeping alive the rich culture of places like Vermilion. At LeBlanc, 3rd grade student Reed Such Stewart and immersion education coordinator Mario Charest run us through the mechanics of how immersion teachers from around the world help Louisiana students become bilingual. Then, we talk with Mrs. Bonnie Broussard, a community member and native French speaker, on her experience with Cajun language and culture over her lifetime and her involvement with the school today.