Introduction
The Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines (AFCY) was founded in 2017 with the ambition to create a meaningful space for cultural and linguistic exchange between French and Chinese communities. Situated in Sartrouville, France, our association serves as a bridge that connects two rich cultural heritages, fostering mutual understanding and personal growth.
In an increasingly interconnected world, AFCY stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and shared experiences. We believe that cultural exchange is more than just learning languages or celebrating traditions — it is about building relationships that promote respect, tolerance, and collaboration.
Our Foundation and Evolution
AFCY was established by a group of passionate individuals who recognized the growing presence and interest in Chinese culture within the Yvelines region, as well as the curiosity among French residents to deepen their knowledge of China. From the outset, the association aimed to respond to these interests by offering programs and events that go beyond surface-level interactions.
Since 2017, AFCY has steadily grown in membership and scope. What began as small language meetups and cultural gatherings has evolved into a full-fledged community organization with diverse offerings. Today, AFCY organizes educational workshops, cultural celebrations, personal development seminars, and collaborative projects with schools, cultural institutions, and local authorities.
Our growth has been driven by the dedication of volunteers, educators, and community members who share the vision of enriching lives through intercultural exchange.
Our Mission
At AFCY, our mission is simple yet profound: to promote and organize cultural and linguistic exchanges between French and Chinese communities, and to support personal development through these exchanges.
We are committed to:
- Facilitating cultural understanding by creating opportunities for people to experience, appreciate, and learn about each other’s traditions, histories, and social customs.
- Encouraging language learning as a tool for communication and deeper connection. We believe that language is the gateway to understanding a culture’s worldview and values.
- Supporting personal growth by offering programs that enhance intercultural competence, communication skills, and self-awareness.
- Building a community that respects diversity and encourages participation from individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where cultural differences are celebrated as strengths, and where people from diverse backgrounds come together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.
We aspire to be a recognized center in the Yvelines region for French-Chinese cultural relations, known for our professionalism, inclusivity, and impact. Through our activities, we hope to contribute to a society where cultural exchange is valued as an essential part of education, community life, and international relations.
We envision AFCY as a catalyst for positive change — inspiring people to embrace openness, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Core Values
The foundation of AFCY rests on a set of core values that guide everything we do:
- Respect: We honor the dignity, traditions, and perspectives of all individuals and cultures.
- Openness: We encourage curiosity, new ideas, and the willingness to listen and learn.
- Solidarity: We build a supportive community where everyone is welcome and valued.
- Authenticity: We seek to represent both French and Chinese cultures truthfully and sincerely.
- Accessibility: We strive to make our activities inclusive and available to as many people as possible.
These values shape our programs, partnerships, and daily interactions with members and visitors.
What We Do
Cultural Exchange and Education
At the heart of AFCY’s activities is cultural exchange. We organize events that highlight the rich heritage of China and France. These include:
- Celebrations of major cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Workshops on traditional Chinese arts like calligraphy, paper cutting, tea ceremonies, and cooking.
- French cultural events featuring music, literature, and gastronomy.
- Exhibitions and performances that showcase contemporary and traditional artistic expressions.
These activities provide immersive experiences designed to deepen participants’ appreciation and understanding of both cultures.
Language Learning and Practice
Language learning is a key pillar of our association. We offer:
- Mandarin Chinese classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
- French language support for Chinese speakers aiming to improve fluency.
- Conversation clubs and language exchange meetings where members can practice speaking in a relaxed and friendly environment.
- Specialized workshops focusing on pronunciation, writing, and cultural nuances in language use.
Our language programs emphasize practical communication skills and cultural context to help learners gain confidence and competence.
Personal Development and Community Engagement
We believe that cultural exchange also supports personal growth and community building. To that end, AFCY offers:
- Seminars on intercultural communication and leadership skills.
- Mindfulness and well-being workshops inspired by Eastern and Western traditions.
- Volunteer opportunities that allow members to contribute to the association’s projects and events.
- Partnerships with schools and local organizations to promote intercultural awareness among youth.
By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we help individuals develop both personally and socially.
Our Community
AFCY is proud to serve a diverse community of members and supporters. Our members include:
- Students eager to learn about language and culture.
- Families seeking opportunities for their children to connect with their heritage.
- Professionals working in multicultural environments.
- Retirees interested in lifelong learning and cultural activities.
- Educators and artists passionate about cross-cultural collaboration.
We maintain a welcoming atmosphere where all are encouraged to participate, share, and grow.
Partnerships and Collaborations
To amplify our impact, AFCY actively collaborates with:
- Local schools and universities to support bilingual education and cultural programs.
- Cultural institutions such as museums, theaters, and art centers for joint events and exhibitions.
- Municipalities and community organizations to promote diversity and inclusion.
- Other cultural associations and networks in France and China to share resources and best practices.
These partnerships enable us to reach broader audiences and enrich the quality of our offerings.
Looking Forward
As AFCY continues to develop, we are exploring new initiatives to enhance our services and community presence, including:
- Expanding youth engagement through leadership and mentorship programs.
- Launching bilingual publications and digital content to share knowledge widely.
- Increasing opportunities for intercultural dialogue through conferences and panel discussions.
- Developing training programs for cultural mediators and language instructors.
We remain committed to evolving in response to our members’ needs and the changing cultural landscape.
Join Us
We invite you to become part of the Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines. Whether you want to learn a new language, explore cultural traditions, develop new skills, or simply meet like-minded people, AFCY offers a welcoming community for all.
Your participation strengthens our mission and enriches our shared journey of discovery and friendship.
For more information, please contact us at:
Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines (AFCY)
22 Rue du Président Roosevelt
78500 Sartrouville, France
Email: contact@afcy.click
Together, let us celebrate the richness of French and Chinese cultures, foster understanding, and build bridges that last.