The news. Fangfang Chen, founder of VieauQc, is one of the finalists for the 2026 Solange-Chalvin award. She is nominated in the “Adult who has followed or is following a French-language learning path in Quebec” category, alongside Victor Ramon Fupuy Chiong, of Montreal, and Maria del Pilar Pérez Estrada, of Montérégie. The official list of finalists is in French.
What the award recognizes. The Solange-Chalvin award highlights teaching staff, adults who have learned or are learning French in Quebec, and the volunteers and partners who support them. It has four categories and five awards. It is organized by Quebec's immigration, francization and integration ministry (MIFI) and Culture pour tous.
Her path. Born in China, Fangfang Chen began learning French when she arrived in Quebec in 2023. In the fall of 2025, a few weeks after her son was born, she started a certificate in professional French communication at McGill University. She lives in Brossard and studies in Montreal; between the commute, short nights and family responsibilities, she never missed a class, according to her official profile.
What French changed. Today she can complete administrative procedures, speak with health professionals, go grocery shopping and chat with her neighbours in French. Using her web development skills, she also created a free website to help newcomers understand procedures, Quebec culture and the resources available to learn French: VieauQc.
The ceremony. The winners will be announced during Quebec's intercultural encounters week, which runs from November 2 to 8, 2026 (in French). The official week page says the event takes place in Montreal on Friday, November 6. In her announcement, the founder says the ceremony will be held at Centre PHI.
Why it matters. The award does not only reward a French level: it highlights how the language becomes a tool to study, work and build connections. For someone arriving in Quebec, francization is often the first step toward autonomy. Our guide to free French classes explains how to register for government courses.
Good to know for newcomers. Fangfang Chen's path shows that French can also be learned outside the classroom: at work, while raising a child, or by talking with neighbours. To practise this month, our article on Quebec's intercultural week lists activities across the province. And if you are looking for a way to meet people, our guide to volunteering in Quebec is a good place to start.
