French immersion, a relatively new concept in second language teaching in the sixties, is well known in Canada today. Generally developed for Anglophones wanting to become bilingual, the program has tended to serve the needs of the English-speaking middle class. The question then is posed as to what must be done in order to offer the same kind of program to children who are relatively deprived culturally or economically. One must be in a milieu where there are language minority groups who would benefit by such a program. Newfoundland is an example of such a milieu; until comparatively recently a small part of it was called the "French Coast." An immersion program was created there in 1975 to respond to the needs of local Francophones who wished to preserve their language and culture. However the majority of students enrolled in the program speak English as their first language. Generally, economic status of their families is not high. The program is constantly being evaluated and it is notable that there is appreciation of the value of bilingualism and biculturalism. It is hoped also that this kind of program can help the French-speaking minority children, especially those who are already assimilated or who are being assimilated to English, to safeguard their language and culture. (Author/AMH)