COVID-19: the French-speaking community puts its talent at the service of others

Schools and businesses closed, layoffs, confinement… Faced with the new anxiety-provoking factors of the past few weeks, the generosity of our compatriots is increasing, and many French speakers are offering their talent and their time to bring distraction, smile and hope to others. Activities for children, sport, support for adults, the choice is more than varied.

The recipes of a French chef on video

Forced to close his Breizh Pan Crepes in Charleston, South Carolina due to the coronavirus epidemic, chef Patrice Rombaut offers recipes on his YouTube channel "Gourmand in USA". On the menu for the moment, crispy baguettes without kneading and buckwheat pancakes… Yum!

A timely recipe book

Estelle Tracy, well-known author of the “Food Survival Guide in the United States” and creator of the Facebook group “Good Food Tips in the United States” which brings together more than 7000 members, has decided to make her 3rd book available, “Recipes survival in the United States ”! A book that seems to be timely at this time … The price is to be defined according to its budget to allow everyone to benefit from it in quarantine. For the less fortunate, it is made available free of charge.

Song and story lessons in music

Gaëlle Boudier, music teacher and professional singer based in Santa Clara, California, has offered two free lessons since last week: for adults and teens, voice discovery and initiation to music therapy on Wednesdays at 5pm (California time) , and a story told in music for the children every Friday at 5pm (California time). Classes take place on Zoom and are limited to the first 100 registered. Facebook and Instagram registrations.

Discovering classical music and the Opera

Every week, children from 6 years old will discover an opera, which they can listen to and practice singing. This initiative by the San Francisco Bay Accueil association aims to expose young children to classical music. The key: the hope of creating a choir that will be found at the end of confinement to perform an opera all together. This program is open to everyone, members or non-members. Registration by email.

Online music lessons

Jeanne Hourez, student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, offers free piano and music theory lessons by Skype. The pianist can provide live advice to help musicians progress and advise them on new songs, and is also available to more advanced students who want to send them videos of their performances to then discuss techniques to improve. Contact via Facebook Messenger.

Stories to listen to

EFBA (Education française Bay Area) has launched “Every day a story” since the start of confinement in the San Francisco area. Asterix, the three little pigs, the story of the monster who was afraid of children, … The stories are posted every day on the association's Facebook account.

Free revisions for the patent and the bac

From March 18 and until April 7, Ofalycée offers revision courses for students of 3rd, 1st and Terminale in math and 3rd and 1st in French. The lessons are given on Zoom and the exercises are corrected live by the teachers of this entirely virtual establishment. More info and registration here.

Listening to reassure

Founded in 2015 in San Francisco, the Hand in Hand Network offers free phone support to anyone in need of support during difficult times. In addition to San Francisco, this association now has branches in Seattle, Los Angeles and Seattle. RMDM has also just launched round tables to remedy the feeling of isolation that may arise from the current situation. The following virtual round tables are free to access and accessible on Zoom: So that confinement does not rhyme with isolation, Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 3pm PST, Couples and single adults – better containment, Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm PST, and Manage the family's daily life without losing your mind, Thursday from 9pm to 10pm PST.