Mobility to Les Mans, France
January 2025

Monday 13th January 2025

The first day (Monday) was dedicated to fostering connections among participants, familiarizing them with the school, and exploring the local history and culture. It also focused on defining the objectives of the meeting.

All participants gathered at the French school OGEC Saint Charles Sainte Croix, Le Mans, where the principal warmly welcomed us. He emphasized the universal longing for peace and reconciliation and the importance of mobilizing everyone—particularly young people—toward building a peaceful and sustainable future.

This was followed by ice-breaking activities, including the "INTERVIEWS" activity, designed to prompt participants to reflect on their backgrounds, expectations, and emotions regarding diversity training. Afterwards, we toured the school and enjoyed a meal featuring local products the French students, teachers, and their families generously offered.

In the afternoon, we visited the city's historic centre, deepening our understanding of the region's cultural and historical significance.

Tuesday 14th January 2025

In the morning, all participants went by bus to the village of Loir en Vallee to visit the countryside of Le Mans. 

There, we organised the project activities titled "ANIMAL INSTINCTS" and "VERBAL FRISBEES". In this tranquil environment, participants explored the diverse ways in which group members respond to similar situations. We also fostered the confidence needed to address common "trigger comments" and engage with frequently encountered resistance to change.

In the afternoon, we visited one exquisite Renaissance Private Castle and witnessed beautiful views and structures. Then we returned to La Mans and had some free time.

Wednesday 15th January 2025

On the third day, we had a chance to attend some lessons at Saint Charles Croix School, which offered an opportunity to experience the French educational process. 

Then, we visited the "Blockhaus" a World War II site, to gain an experiential understanding of the inhumane conditions endured during the war. This visit triggered us to think about how vital is PEACE for us and emphasise the project’s importance.

In the evening, the teachers had a meeting to organise project work, and then they attended a concert featuring French songs performed by a local choir, enriching our appreciation of the local culture.

Thursday 16th January 2025

In the morning, we visited the Automobile Club de L’ouest, which is famous for the 24-hour race in France. While exploring the museum, we implemented the project activity  "CARS" which used the metaphor of a car to illustrate how various components must work in harmony to become effective allies. Emphasising our different views and sides by using our imagination, this activity encouraged self-reflection and the development of allyship. 

In the afternoon, we returned to the French school. We organised the project activity titled "LOOKING UP: TREE TOPS" which allowed participants to reflect on their progress, the lessons learned, and the steps forward in their journey.

We concluded the day by having a ceremony to award participation certificates to all participants. All countries sang a national song which made us celebrate the friendship between cultures. 

Friday 17th January 2025

The project program concluded with a visit to Paris, where participants explored the key landmarks of the European capital. 

Highlights included, among others, the Louvre Museum, where we admired the contributions of diverse nations to human civilization, gaining a deeper appreciation for the richness of multiculturalism. This visit also allowed us to reflect on the enduring universal ideals of the French Revolution—"Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité"—which resonate deeply with the core purpose of our program, Building Sustainable Peace, Social Justice, and Democracy Among Youth!