When French becomes the beginning of a beautiful story
Some people learn French to find a job. Others want to integrate more easily into their new region or prepare for an exam. And then there are those who discover that learning a new language can also become the starting point of a dream.
This is Oksana's story.
During our latest school aperitif, she came to share with our students a journey that deeply moved everyone: the story of a woman who started from zero in French and is now the author of a children's book published in Switzerland.
From Central Asia to French-speaking Switzerland
Originally from Russia, Oksana was born and raised in Central Asia. After several years of working, she decided to put her career on hold to devote herself fully to her family.
She has always been fascinated by languages. For her, learning a language is not just about communicating, it opens doors, introduces new cultures, and changes the way we see the world.
French had always held a special place in her heart. When her husband's job brought the family to French-speaking Switzerland, she decided it was finally the right time to learn the language she had admired for so many years.
When she arrived, she didn't speak a single word of French.
She first took a few private lessons and then continued learning on her own. Despite all her efforts, she still struggled to communicate in everyday situations and felt she needed a more structured learning approach.
That's when she joined our school.
As the lessons went by, she became more confident, improved her speaking skills, and developed the abilities that allowed her to use French far beyond the classroom.
A Little Fox Born from a Big Idea
The idea for Notre petite Renarde imParfaite was born from a very personal wish: to give her daughter a unique gift for her eighth birthday.
The story's heroine is Katya, a curious little fox full of energy and mischief. Through her adventures, she sometimes drives her family and friends completely crazy... but she also reminds them that you don't have to be perfect to be loved.
The book encourages children, and especially parents, to reflect on the idea of perfection. Do we really have to be flawless? Or can we learn to accept and appreciate the little imperfections that make each of us unique?
The story is directly inspired by Oksana's daughter and their family life.
Why Write in French?
Oxana's native language is Russian. Yet when she started writing her book, she chose French.
The reason is simple: it's the language her two daughters speak every day. They use French at school, with their friends, and throughout their daily lives.
Writing in a foreign language was a real challenge. Oksana worked tirelessly, sought advice from those around her, carried out extensive research, and rewrote many passages to find exactly the right words.
The project also evolved significantly over time. Several versions of the cover were created before one encounter changed everything.
After meeting the director of the publishing house Ease Kids, Oksana had the opportunity to rework her story so it could reach a wider audience. Together, they refined the text, reshaped the book, and created the final cover that now accompanies this wonderful adventure.
An Evening Dedicated to Sharing
During the evening, Oksana took participants behind the scenes of Notre petite Renarde imParfaite. She presented the different cover designs, explained how the story was born, and shared why she chose to write it directly in French despite the challenges of writing in a foreign language.
The evening then turned into a creative workshop. Each participant was invited to draw one happy childhood memory and one more difficult one before sharing their stories in French with the rest of the group.
Very quickly, the drawings gave way to smiles, laughter, and conversations. Whatever their language level, everyone dared to speak, share a personal story, and practice French in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Over a friendly aperitif, the language became a genuine way to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
To end the evening, Oksana signed a copy of her book for every participant, a beautiful keepsake that brought this inspiring and emotional event to a close.
An Emotional Ending
Beyond the presentation of a book, this evening reminded us of something essential: learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules.
It is also about gaining the confidence to tell your story, share your ideas, and sometimes bring to life a dream you've carried for years.
Oksana's journey is a wonderful example of this. French allowed her to accomplish a project that meant so much to her, and her story will continue to inspire readers of all ages.