Écoletopie: redefining education through a unique learning experience

23/10/2023

In an exciting development in the Principality of Monaco, the New National Museum of Monaco, in collaboration with the Directorate of National Education, Youth, and Sports, and with generous support from the Prince Albert II Foundation, is introducing an innovative educational experiment called ‘Écoletopie’.

Originating in 2022 as part of the ‘The Art of Learning, a School for Creators’ exhibition at the Centre Pompidou Metz, this educational initiative is now making its way into the heart of a classroom in Monaco.

‘Écoletopie’ represents a significant leap forward in the industry of education, breaking away from traditional teaching methods and venturing into uncharted territory. This unique educational approach, conceived by Studio Smarin, is designed to nurture young minds, challenge conventions, and foster a profound connection between students and their environment.

‘Écoletopie’ has set up in a classroom at Saint-Charles School in Monaco, and it will remain there until the winter break. During this period, CM1 students and their dedicated teacher will immerse themselves in a carefully crafted, holistic learning environment.

Holistic objectives

The core objectives of ‘Écoletopie’ are multifaceted, reflecting a holistic approach to education.

These objectives include mobilisation of attention. In an era filled with distractions, this element of the program hones the critical skill of maintaining focused attention. Another objective is collective intelligence, as ‘Écoletopie’ encourages students to collaborate, promoting the power of collective problem-solving.

Through this innovative educational experience, young learners are encouraged to develop a deep and nuanced understanding of their own sensitivities and those of others. The program also places a strong emphasis on understanding one’s body, promoting mindfulness and physical well-being.

‘Écoletopie’ is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Every component of the program, from its meticulously designed objects to its overall philosophy, revolves around the idea of sustainability and eco-consciousness. Each piece is crafted from pure, untreated materials chosen for their natural qualities, aligning with the program’s long-term vision of minimising the impact on the human body and the ecosystem.

A comprehensive learning approach

‘Écoletopie’ goes beyond the conventional classroom setup. It incorporates a series of engaging conversations and practical workshops led by the experts at Studio Smarin. These interactions empower students to explore essential concepts such as the biomechanics of the body, collective coordination in building shared spaces, and the ecological footprint of materials.

Additionally, students are encouraged to perceive play as a gateway to free sensory exploration, embracing their innate sense of wonder.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department

Activities you never knew you could do in Monaco: Sports edition

by: Niki Borisova

23/10/2023

Did you know there is a shooting range near the Stade Louis II? Or that there is a rowing club that trains seven days a week in the Principality? In this article, Monaco Life highlights the more “unexpected” sports classes and activities on offer in the Principality.

A fact about Monaco that is so often unappreciated: there is a lot more to the Principality than meets the eye. Beyond the fancy cars, luxury hotels and expensive boutiques, this 2.08km2 state has plenty of things going on, including a diverse range of sporting activities and experiences. Here are some of our favourites.

Archery

Embrace your inner Robin Hood and hone your concentration skills at the First Archery Company of Monaco, at 5 Avenue du Gabian in Fontvieille, which offers competition training and practice sessions at the facility and also in the great outdoors.

There are various slots available throughout the week for under 18s and adults, and annual memberships start at a very reasonable €115. To find out more about the Compagnie d’Arc de Monaco, click here.

*Archers from the Première Compagnie de Tir à l’Arc de Monaco. Photo source: Facebook*

Shooting

At the same address as the archery club is the Rainier III Shooting Range, or the Stand de Tir Rainier III, which spans the sixth, seventh and eighth floors of the Le Triton building, found just a stone’s throw from the Stade Louis II.

The club features numerous shooting disciplines for members of all ages and abilities. It’s free to try out the sport, and memberships cost €90 for youth and €200 for adults. To find out more about this James Bond-like experience, click here.

Rowing

Everyone knows about the superyachts of Monaco, but what about rowing? The Société Nautique de Monaco, which has a history dating back to 1888, offers lessons to those aged 12 and up an impressive seven days a week. The club itself, found on Quai Louis II, is open from Monday to Friday and from 9.30am to 5.30pm. For more information, please click here.

*The Société Nautique de Monaco trains every day for competitions and events at home in the Principality and abroad. Photo source: Aviron-Monaco*

Dancing

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo are world famous, as is the Académie Princesse Grace for young dancers wanting to follow their dreams and become the next big name in the dancing world. But for those just starting out or wanting to try a new form of dancing, the Espace Danse in Beausoleil offers lessons in hip-hop, street jazz, classical and modern, and conditioning. Private tuition under Anne-Marie Symons and Rodolphe Hell, both distinguished former professional dancers, is also possible.

Click here for more information.

Boules

Just like in the rest of the Mediterranean, boules is loved and played in Monaco. The Monaco Bouliste Club on Rue de l’Industrie is open every day from 9am to 8pm, with a special Ecole de Pétanque under Denis Olmos, a many-time Champion of France, for children aged 10 to 17 every Wednesday outside of school holidays. For more information, please click here.

*A game for the whole family to enjoy at the Monaco Bouliste Club on Rue de l’Industrie. Photo source: MBC*

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Main photo source: Aviron-Monaco / Facebook

Monaco symposium: preparing Europe for future pandemics

by: Cassandra Tanti

23/10/2023

The WHO has awarded Professor Patrick Rampal, president of the Scientific Centre of Monaco, for his “contribution to health and sustainable development” during a symposium which brought together virus specialists in Monaco to discuss how to manage future epidemics.

While the World Health Organisation declared an end to the state of emergency over the Covid-19 pandemic on 5th May 2023, health monitoring authorities are facing a worsening risk of crisis around the world, with up to 7,000 epidemic signals each month.

There is no secret as to the cause of these epidemics: global warming that is fostering the emergence of pathogens formerly limited to tropical zones; the extension of urban environments into wild areas; farms and intensive breeding; and mass tourism.

It is in this context that a symposium was held in Monaco on 19^th October co-organised by the Monaco Scientific Centre and the Global Virus Network, entitled ‘Improving Preparedness for Future Pandemics’.

*Prince Albert speaking at the symposium in Monaco. Photo source: CSM*

Early detection is key

At this symposium, chaired by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the European Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr.Hans Kluge, insisted on the need “to set up a surveillance system which provides real-time propagation data (..) to protect the population.”

Alongside the WHO, some of the world’s leading experts were able to highlight the important collaboration between European health monitoring systems.

“The challenge is to quickly detect and communicate information about these agents with pandemic potential which know no borders. Whether in humans, in water, in the air, or in mosquitoes, the implementation of such systems of health surveillance represents a key measure for protecting populations.”

The symposium was also an opportunity to identify health monitoring strategies that make it possible to extend monitoring of these pathogens and their mutations in humans and the environment, in order to best adapt treatments, particularly in terms of vaccines.

“Pathogen surveillance is a matter of national security,” said Pofesseur Lanfa Wang, director of the Research Program for Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE) of Singapore. “In peacetime, you must do everything to prepare for war. Singapore is a small country, like Monaco, and we have set up a sampling system of mosquitoes, water and air to identify circulating pathogens.”

Monaco professor awarded for his work

During the symposium, Professor Patrick Rampal, president of the Scientific Centre of Monaco, received the World Health Organisation Award for his contribution to health and sustainable development in the WHO European region.

“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable work of Professor Rampal,” said explained Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Director of the WHO Europe Zone.

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Main photo: Professor Patrick Rampal receiving his award. Source: CSM

Winter flu and Covid jabs now available in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman

23/10/2023

The Monegasque government is offering both seasonal flu jabs and a new Covid vaccine to residents, with the option of getting both at one time.

Monaco’s Department of Social Affairs and Health has put out reminders for residents, students and social security holders in the Principality that seasonal flu and the latest Covid vaccinations are now obtainable.

FLU

This year’s winter flu jab can be had with or without a prescription, with the option of having the inoculation given on site at the pharmacy or administered by a doctor or private nurse at the recipient’s convenience.

As the flu jab is only effective before the onset of the virus, it is highly recommended that those who would like the vaccine to go and get it as soon as possible. Furthermore, the government is “strongly” advocating the shot for vulnerable people, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic health issues.

The flu vaccine is 100% covered for those insured in Monaco.

COVID

The latest Covid vaccine is also ready. This inoculation is “the new monovalent vaccine Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 adult (12 years and over) from Pfizer/BioNTech, which is suitable for the variant in circulation and which requires only one dose, regardless of the patient’s vaccination history”.

Like with the flu jab, anyone residing, going to school or working in the Principality is eligible for the vaccine. Shots can be given by the Monegasque Screening Centre located at the Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG), a doctor or participating pharmacies.

The healthcare professional who gives the vaccination will ask that a medical questionnaire be filled out to verify that there are no contraindications. Children aged 12 to 17 must have the consent of legal guardians, while those in elderly care homes will be offered the vaccine on site.

People wishing to save a bit of time and effort can get both jabs at once. More information can be found here.

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Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Golden years: The legacy of elegant gala balls in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman

23/10/2023

The ladies glitter in pearls and jewels with gowns of lace, silk and satin, and they arrive hand-in-hand with gentlemen dressed in the finest tailoring money could buy… grand balls have been a celebrated part of Principality life for over a century, thanks to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

What an experience it was to attend the 2023 Bal du Centenaire on 20th October, a tribute to the late Prince Rainier III, who loved the pomp and ceremony of a night spent dancing beneath chandeliers and clinking crystal glasses filled to the brim with champagne with his wife Princess Grace, friends and family.

The ball revived a long-standing tradition by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer of hosting the most elaborate balls in its most glamorous institutions, for the purpose of socialising at an elite level, but also to raise important funds for charity.

MORE THAN A CENTURY

Balls are nothing new to Monaco. For over a century, the ballrooms of the Principality have been a place for Monaco’s most esteemed to celebrate, have fun and show off.

*The Bal du Jardin Merveilleux in 1925, photo source: Archives de Monte-Carlo SBM*

MARVELLOUS GARDEN BALL

The Bal du Jardin Merveilleux was held on 6th March 1925. Organised by the French painter and the reputed inventor of the ‘pin-up girl’, Jean-Gabriel Domergue, at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the event was appropriately themed for the coming spring season.

The posters erected in the run-up declared, “The ladies will adorn themselves with dresses in floral tones, with beaded embroidery, and their hairstyles will be able to borrow their brilliance from flowers.”

It was a huge success.

BAL DE LA ROSE

The Bal de le Rose was first held in 1954 under the creative eye of the then-Artistic Director of the Société des Bains de Mer, Henry Astric.

His event was a bit of a gamble. The 1950s were a time of the foxtrot, samba and mambo, but Astric’s plan was to hold a gala featuring the waltz, then considered an old-fashioned dance.

Luckily for him, the crowd was game and the night was a roaring hit. It was certainly helped along by the 100 violinists providing entertainment throughout the night and the simply stunning decorations: thousands of roses, a favourite of the newly-married new Princess Grace.

The Rose Ball is still a staple of Monaco’s gala circuit, with roughly 1,000 guests from around the world attending each year, including, of course, the Grimaldis, the Princely family of Monaco.

BAL DE L’OPÉRA

For the Bal de l’Opéra on 8th February 1959, the Salle Garnier was emptied and a vast floor built at the level of the stage. It involved a lavish dinner, which was attended by Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, that was followed by a musical dance show that then turned into a dance party for guests, who took to the stage to trip the lights fantastic.

BAL DU SECOND EMPIRE

Another iconic date in the history of balls in Monaco is 27th May 1966, when the Bal du Second Empire was held. It transported invitees back in time to the 19th century to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Monte-Carlo as well as the death 150 years before of Napoléon III.

Hosted by Hélène Rochas, the Salle Garnier, the Casino Atrium and the Casino Terraces were transformed by designer André Levasseur, who created a double staircase specially for the occasion, providing direct access to the terraces from the Salle Garnier.

GRAND BAL PARÉ 1900

To mark the reopening of the Salon de l’Europe, the Grand Bal Paré 1900 was held on 16th March 1968; the site had been newly restored by Monaco’s favourite production and costume designer, André Levasseur.

The event was attended by Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, with a sumptuous dinner served on the Casino Atrium. It was covered widely in the international media, and radio and television crews were there to share the moment with millions around the world.

BAL DES TÊTES

The Bal des Têtes, held on 15th March 1969, was the renamed version of the Bal Paré. It was timed with the opening of André Levasseur’s latest triumph, the Casino’s Salle des Amériques, but actually took place in the Salon d’Europe.

The night oozed elegance and extravagance, but above all fun; some 560 guests arrived dressed up a variety of historical figures, from Bacchus to the Empress of Iran, the Great Catherine of Russia, Caesar and Cleopatra, Hindu princes, and various Marquises of the 18th century.

Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were Chinese Emperor and Empress, and Italian actress Sophia Loren came as the Goddess of the Sea, with her sister joining her as the Goddess of the Clouds.

NUIT DE LA ROSE

The 1970 Nuit de la Rose saw the Salle Garnier transformed into the Palace of the Thousand and One Nights. Another confection by Levasseur, there were 40 balloon chandeliers and 10,000 roses adorning the site. The stage was converted into a music hall stage, where French soprano Mady Mesulé was the star of the evening.

See more in the gallery below. Photos: Archives de Monte-Carlo SBM…

Photos/Video: SBM hosts exceptional Centenary Ball in tribute to Prince Rainier III

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All photo credits: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

France to make a stand against “non fait maison” food in restaurants

by: Stephanie Horsman

23/10/2023

Plans to introduce a “non fait maison” label identifying dishes not made on site by restaurants have been announced by the French government in a bid to promote fresh produce and homemade, not industrially produced, cuisine.

By 2025, the French government wants to implement the use of a new label that will alert diners to dishes that haven’t been made in a restaurant’s kitchen.

Essentially, it’s a push back against industrially produced and readymade meals in favour of healthier and more seasonal produce.

According to Alain Fontaine of the French Association of Master Restaurateurs (AFMR), of the 175,000 restaurants in France, only a mere 7,000 offer meals to customers that are prepared entirely in their own kitchens.

A label promoting these “homemade” dishes was introduced back in 2014 – the “fait maison” sticker that regular patrons of French restaurants will be familiar with – but in comments to La Tribune Dimanche, the country’s Minister Delegate for SMEs and Trade, Olivia Grégoire, has argued that this system simply isn’t working the way it was meant to.

In the interview published on 22nd October, she announced her plans to launch a reverse form of the “fait maison” label, which could be made law by 2025.

BETTER DEFINED FOR CLARITY

“It’s a good thing,” said Fontaine of the measure, who agrees that the old way was not working. “It was very confusing for professionals and confusing for clients.”

The president of the AFMR has, however, recommended providing restaurants with clear and precise information on the conditions that will apply to the new label, and has suggested adding an asterisk to each item that is not “fait maison”, with a disclaimer at the top or bottom of the menu stating the situation.

This, he has said, would be “less punishing and easier for restaurateurs to implement”.

The government has admitted that there will be a need for control mechanisms to be put in place to ensure everyone follows the rules.

Restaurant owners who do not disclose the truth about the origins of the food in their kitchens could face fines, and although the amounts are as yet undisclosed, they will be certainly stiff enough to dissuade breeches.

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Photo source: Dan Gold, Unsplash

Day: 23 October 2023