French Classes & Conversation

Q: Come visit us at the AFKO house

807 Baker Street, Nelson . The AFKO Centre is a warm and welcoming space where you can read, work, create, meet people and connect with the francophone community. Inside, you’ll find: A large French-language library for children and adults A workspace A Screen Printing Studio A kitchen and coffee/tea area A dedicated youth space A green space with picnic tables Whether you want to attend a workshop, work on a project, do your homework, read quietly, work, have a meeting, or get involved in a community project, you’re welcome at AFKO. Membership is required to borrow books, games and equipment, to use the centre regularly, or to use the space for professional or business. → Learn more about the AFKO Centre

Q: Read, borrow & play in French

Over 3,000 books in French! Our French-language library is located at the AFKO Centre and includes books for children and adults, as well as French board games. You can also browse our collection online through TinyCat , our virtual library catalogue, and discover what’s available before you visit. AFKO members can borrow items from the collection. → Explore the French Library

A space to connect in French.

Franco
Fanatiks

AFKO’s program Franco Fanatiks brings together people who speak French, are learning French, or simply want more opportunities to connect with the culture.

At your own pace, in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Beginner to Intermediate

French Classes

Looking for a structured way to learn French with others?

These small-group classes with Célia, our teacher, are designed for beginners and intermediate learners who want to develop their French in a friendly and supportive environment.

Goal: building confidence and being able to have simple conversations in French.

Can’t join this session? Join the waiting list for upcoming classes through this form.

Upcoming session (sold out)

Intermediate to Advanced

Kootenay
french club

Looking for a relaxed way to practice your French with others?

The Kootenay French Club is a conversation group guided by Célia, our French teacher. Geared toward people who have an intermediate to advanced level, it’s a friendly space to practice French, build confidence, meet other francophones and francophiles.

Whether you want to brush up on your French, become more comfortable speaking, or simply enjoy a conversation in French, everyone is welcome.

Our Weekly Conversation Group

*Conversation groups will run with a minimum of 3 participants.
A confirmation will be sent before each session.

Want to join us? Ask to be added to our WhatsApp group! It’s the easiest way to confirm your attendance for the week you’d like to join, receive confirmation from the teacher, and ask any questions you may have about the sessions.

All levels · Personalized support

Private French lessons

For complete beginners or specific needs.

Célia offers personalized French support for adults, children and families, as well as preparation for official French-language exams.

Célia offers:

Good to know:

Meet Your French Teacher

Learn french with célia

Originally from Bordeaux, France, Célia has been living in Canada since 2013 and in Nelson since 2018. With a Master’s degree in Sports with a focus on Education, she has been supporting French learners at AFKO since 2022. She also works as a substitute teacher in local schools.

Her approach is centered on communication, confidence and individual progress.

She adapts her lessons to each learner’s needs, using a mix of authentic materials, games, digital tools and her own teaching resources to make learning practical and engaging.

Follow Célia on Instagram: @learnfrenchwithcelia

We had a wonderful experience working with Celia as our French tutor! Most of the sessions were held over Zoom, which worked out perfectly with our schedule, but she also met with us in person a few times—which was such a nice bonus. She is incredibly personable, patient, and engaging. My kids absolutely loved working with her and always looked forward to their lessons. She made learning French fun and approachable, and we saw a noticeable improvement in both their confidence and language skills. We’re so grateful for her support and highly recommend her to any family looking for a dedicated and talented Lange tutor.

We are so proud of our son’s progress and dedication to learning French—and we owe a huge thank you to his amazing teacher, Célia. Her exceptional pedagogy, boundless creativity, and openness to new ideas have made a lasting impact. Above all, thanks to her, our son has developed a genuine love for the French language. We are incredibly grateful for her role in this journey. Merci, Célia!

I attended group class taught by Celia this year. I found it very helpful and the classes were tailored to beginners. The group dynamic was wonderful and I always had an enjoyable time while learning basic French. I intend to pick it up this fall again. I feel it’s a really approachable class that anyone can show up and learn at their own pace!.

Notre fille a fait du tutorat avec Célia pendant deux ans et ce fut une excellente façon de rattraper les notions de français qui lui manquaient pour réintégrer un programme francophone à un niveau 6-7e année. Célia s’est assurée que notre fille ait les bases en écriture et notre fille a fait un progrès appréciable. Le contact avec Célia est super agréable, ce fut un réel plaisir d’échanger avec elle. Nous devons mille mercis à Célia!

Mrs. Celia is just a great teacher, nice and caring. My daughter no just loves her teaching but really enjoys her companionship and friendship.

Really appreciate Celia’s kind and thoughtful approach to teaching my daughter French. My daughter loves learning French thanks to Celia.

CONNECT with French in The Kootenays

There are many ways to connect with French, whether you’re here to learn the language, to enjoy the culture, or simply to be part of the community.

*Francophone = French-speaking person, through their first language.

*Francophile = someone who learned French or has an interest in French language and culture.

Come visit us at the AFKO house

807 Baker Street, Nelson.

The AFKO Centre is a warm and welcoming space where you can read, work, create, meet people and connect with the francophone community.

Inside, you’ll find:

A large French-language library for children and adults
A workspace
A Screen Printing Studio
A kitchen and coffee/tea area
A dedicated youth space
A green space with picnic tables

Whether you want to attend a workshop, work on a project, do your homework, read quietly, work, have a meeting, or get involved in a community project, you’re welcome at AFKO. Membership is required to borrow books, games and equipment, to use the centre regularly, or to use the space for professional or business.

→ Learn more about the AFKO Centre

Read, borrow & play in French

Over 3,000 books in French!

Our French-language library is located at the AFKO Centre and includes books for children and adults, as well as French board games.

You can also browse our collection online through TinyCat, our virtual library catalogue, and discover what’s available before you visit.

AFKO members can borrow items from the collection.

→ Explore the French Library

Join our Facebook group

Connect with French speakers and learners in the Kootenays, share, ask questions, discover local activities and stay connected with the community.

→ Join Franco Fanatiks

Come to an AFKO event

Everyone is welcome! You don’t need to be bilingual or speak perfect French to join us.

Something is always happening!

From cultural events and workshops to community gatherings and celebrations, there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet people.

→ See upcoming events

Be part of AFKO and enjoy member benefits

AFKO is a non-profit organization, and every membership helps support our work and keep our community spaces, programs and activities going.

As an AFKO member, you can:

Borrow books, board games and outdoor equipment
Use the AFKO Centre regularly
Get member discounts and special prices on paid events and activities
Take part in events and activities that require membership
Use and grow your own plants in the community garden
Have a vote at the Annual General Meeting*

*Membership types and voting rights may vary.

Want to use the AFKO Centre for your business or group?

If you would like to regularly use or rent the AFKO Centre for personal, professional or community activities, an User-Payer Membership may be the right option.

→ See the options and become a member

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FRENCH IN THE KOOTENAYS?

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