In this post, Aude Jacomme, a teacher at the Lycée Français de Barcelone in charge of maritime classes, talks about the fruitful collaboration set up with Explorations de Monaco for the 2nd meeting of the Decade of the Ocean in Barcelona.
A look back at the organization and unfolding of a week rich in discoveries, initiating new projects and promising extensions.
A meeting that bears fruit...
The beginnings…
January 12, 2024, among the many emails received each day, one in particular catches my attention: “Ocean Decade Conference and maritime classes at the Lycée Français de Barcelone”…
Mail origin: Monaco Explorations ?
The 2nd Decade of the Ocean Conference…
The aim of these maritime classes is not only to make students aware of the various issues surrounding the conservation and sustainable management of the ocean, but also to open up new horizons in terms of professional fields, culture, knowledge and interpersonal skills.
Each time, the speakers who come to meet our students explain their career paths to raise awareness of training, studies and professions, some of which are extremely motivating.
We work with universities and research laboratories in physics, chemistry and marine biology.
We are also in contact with the Port of Barcelona for all matters relating to port activities, companies working in the marine economy and what is known as the “blue economy”.
And so, on January 12, 2024, when we opened this e-mail, the adventure began… And what an adventure it was!
Very quickly, a videoconference and weekly exchanges enabled us to share many ideas and determine how the Société des Explorations de Monaco could enrich our students’ careers.
A network of exchanges was established, and we enthusiastically shared contacts with our local partners.
Projects take shape…
March 2024, no more screens and written exchanges, it’s time to get to know each other.
Xavier Prache is in Barcelona for a few precious hours, during which we list the program proposed to our students.
A visit to Tuiga, exhibitions on Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas, exchanges between LFB families and members of the Société des Explorations de Monaco, an outing at sea for teachers, a meeting between our maritime ambassadors and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco… Just thinking about all these wonderful experiences on offer to our students and their teachers made me “le corazon contento” as the Spanish say.
So many opportunities!
The long-awaited week is about to begin…
April 2024, after a week of intense daily exchanges, we’re finally there – everything’s ready!
We met the rest of the team, who had exchanged so much beforehand that we felt we already knew each other.
What a team!
A warm and thoughtful welcome, all our maritime stakes classes were able to discover the interactive exhibition on Marine Protected Areas, accompanied by one of the team members who was able to teach them about this concept with a lot of pedagogy.
They also met members of the Tuiga crew, from deckhand to captain!
From the bowline to the fisherman’s knot, they now know how to do it with their eyes closed and their hands behind their backs.
They discovered a rather unique boat in terms of its history and the living conditions of sailors during regattas.
One of our sailing enthusiasts also met the crew of the sister ship Mariska.
Our students were immersed in maritime issues at the highest level, and understood that the Ocean was the concern of the years to come: better knowledge for better protection!
They still talk about it today with stars in their eyes every time they walk through the door of our classrooms.
They feel concerned, involved and responsible.
That’s what this kind of project is all about.
So it’s safe to say: mission accomplished!
The adventure continues
June 2024; the next stage in our collaboration, but the adventure doesn’t end here!
That’s the magic of this great joint project.
The Marine Protected Areas exhibition has remained in Barcelona at the Lycée Français.
Our students are getting ready to present it to primary school children, but also to other schools in the area.
In French, English, Catalan and Spanish, whatever language they use, they’ll get the message across.
Thanks again to the Monaco explorations team for this wonderful experience, which will remain engraved in the memory of the Lycée Français de Barcelone.
Aude JACOMME
Teacher at the Lycée Français de Barcelone.
In charge of maritime classes.
