At the inauguration of its new secondary school premises on Avenue Hector Otto, the team at the British School of Monaco unveiled their innovative approach to tackling the hot topic of the place of mobile phones in schools, which will play out in the form of a new collaborative partnership with Monaco Telecom.
On Thursday 19th September, the British School of Monaco officially inaugurated its new secondary school premises, located in the L’Escorial building at 31 Avenue Hector Otto, in the presence of its recently appointed principal, Alan Stevens, and co-founders Luke Sullivan and Dr. Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko.
This year, the school will be accepting students in Years 7 (11 to 12 years old) to 11 (15 to 16 years old). The facilities include a science laboratory, art room, music facilities, playground, infirmary, administrative offices and a dining area.
Looking ahead, the British School of Monaco plans to introduce early years education for younger students starting in the 2025/26 academic year. Additionally, the school aims to launch the IGCSE exams in 2027 and open a Sixth Form (A-Levels) programme in 2028.
PhoneWall: a fresh take on school phones
Martin Peronnet, CEO of Monaco Telecom, joined the staff members at the inauguration and spoke of the company’s new collaboration with the British School of Monaco, which seeks to address the negative impacts of smartphone use among students.
This partnership will manifest in the form of PhoneWall, an initiative whereby Monaco Telecom will offer refurbished Nokia 3210 phones to students for a symbolic €1, plus a monthly charge of €8.99. For Monaco Telecom clients, the phone itself is free of charge.
The Nokia 3210 is a basic mobile phone that allows students and their parents to communicate during the school day, when needed, without all of the distractions associated with more advanced smartphone models.
Research has shown that excessive smartphone use among teenagers can lead to increased anxiety, decreased attention spans and other mental health issues. In response, many schools in Europe have banned mobile phones entirely on school premises or put in place stringent restrictions.
Principal Alan Stevens told Monaco Life, “I think this initiative is here to stay. This partnership between the British School of Monaco and Monaco Telecom is pioneering as, so far, schools have not found a way in which students can keep in touch with their parents and each other, they have simply banned phones.”
The Nokia 3210 models offered by Monaco Telecom as part of the PhoneWall initiative. Photo by Monaco Life
Parents who attended the secondary school’s inauguration were invited to sign up for the scheme, with one mother of a 12-year-old pupil telling Monaco Life, “I tried to set up protections on [my son’s] smartphone, but he has managed to bypass them by creating new Google accounts, so I can never restrict anything. This is where I think this PhoneWall initiative is great because he can still use a phone, just not anything beyond basic usage. I think if we do this collectively, this initiative will work.”
Those who were unable to attend the inauguration can still sign up to the scheme by visiting the Monaco Telecom boutiques on Boulevard des Moulins and Rue de Gabian.
For further details on the PhoneWall initiative or the secondary school, contact the British School of Monaco by email at contact@britishschool.mc or by calling +377 92 00 27 80.
Monte Carlo Beer co-founders William Scheffer and Anthony Orengo have introduced their brand-new range of low-calorie, locally produced soft drinks called Daghe, at a special launch event supported by Formula 2 star Arthur Leclerc.
On Wednesday 18th September, Monte Carlo Beer’s William Scheffer and Anthony Orengo hosted a press event on the Equivoque rooftop in Monaco to celebrate the launch of their new soft drink brand, Daghe.
The launch has been a long time coming, with the pair hinting that they have been working on Daghe, which means “Come on!” in Monegasque, since 2021.
They were joined at the event, attended by Monaco Life, by Formula 2 driver Arthur Leclerc, the brother of Formula 1 pilot Charles Leclerc. The younger Leclerc is to be an ambassador for the Daghe brand.
Left to right: William Scheffer, Arthur Leclerc and Anthony Orengo during the Daghe launch event. Photo by Monaco Life
Daghe is a celebration of local produce and ingenuity.
“Across the world, there are thousands of refreshing drinks, but none of them can bring us together around common values that truly matter to us: living together, sharing, all while consuming local and sustainable products,” Orengo told Monaco Life.
Daghe drinks are low in calories and have 30% less sugar than major brands. They use 100% natural ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced produce, contain no artificial flavours or preservatives, and are made in the Alpes-Maritimes, reflecting the founders’ desire to promote sustainability.
The range features four flavours—cola, tonic, ginger beer, and lemonade—in response to global trends and demand.
The four flavours of Daghe soft drinks. Photo by Monaco Life
Speaking at the launch, Leclerc remarked, “I’m so happy to be supporting a Monegasque brand; I am honoured to be a part of this team and see how it will progress.”
When asked about his favourite flavour, the 23-year-old driver responded, “For me, it’s the lemonade!”
Daghe is available online and at local distributors, including restaurants and supermarkets in the Principality and the surrounding area. For more information, click here.
The Monaco Government has announced it is accepting a second round of applications from Monegasque nationals looking to rent a residential property in the new Résidence Héméra B development, formerly known as Grand Ida Bloc C.
With a number of properties still available and unallocated in the Résidence Héméra B development, following an initial application round that ended in February, the Monaco Government has put out a second call for housing requests.
Interested parties have until 5pm on 11th October to submit their requests for housing in the 13-storey, 48-apartment development in Monaco’s Jardin Exotique neighbourhood via the Mon Guichet portal.
Applicants who previously submitted requests during the first round will find their information pre-filled. Alternatively, new applicants should head to the ‘Submit an application’ section of the website. Those with a Monegasque digital identity can securely log in through the MConnect service, while others can use their existing accounts or create a new one.
For those without digital access, the Housing Department at 10 bis Quai Antoine Ier can assist with paper applications. The digital advisors at the Maison du Numérique can also help with the online process.
The EU’s latest State of the Energy Union report has shone a positive light on the bloc’s progress towards a carbon-neutral future, pointing to significant advancements in renewable energy production, as well as its efforts to regain control over energy market dynamics, pricing and security concerns.
After a rough few years and some eye-opening events, the European Union’s energy agenda appears to be back on track, with a host of new mandates and breakthroughs paving the way for renewed economic growth and competitiveness in the sector.
RENEWABLES GAIN GROUND
The EU demonstrated its willingness to invest in and promote renewable energy sources at COP28 in Dubai at the end of 2023, where it led the “global initiative to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements as part of the transition away from fossil fuels”. These goals were endorsed by all Parties present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference.
Now the 2024 State of the Energy Union report has revealed that, in the first six months of this year, half of the bloc’s electricity came from renewable sources – a record in the EU. Furthermore, wind power has overtaken gas to become the No. 2 source of electricity behind nuclear power.
The uptick in renewable energy sources has also helped lower greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, which have plummeted by 32.5% between 1990 and 2022, according to the report. In the same period, the economy grew by 67%, showing that greener policies have not hindered growth.
Nevertheless, despite these positive findings and trends, the report acknowledges that they alone will not be enough to meet 2030 energy and climate goals at the current rate. Prioritising energy-efficient renovation projects and updating heating systems, the report suggests, are two ways the EU can accelerate the process.
DEMAND FOR RUSSIAN GAS FALLS
Demand for gas fell by an astounding 138 billion cubic metres between August 2022 and May 2024, drastically decreasing the EU’s reliance on Russian gas sources. Due to the drop in demand, it was possible to meet continent-wide winter gas storage goals by 90% by August 2024.
The share of Russian imports has been reduced from 45% in 2021 to 18% as of June 2024. Achieving energy security, if not full independence, has been a keen ambition for EU authorities in recent years, and this shift away from Russian reliance marks a major step toward that goal.
The report also highlights the need for partnerships within the EU energy industry in the face of an increasingly competitive global stage. Industrial alliances such as the European Battery Alliance, European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, Solar PV Industry Alliance, Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance, and Alliance on Small Modular Reactors will play important roles.
Isabella Vieira is the visionary behind Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia, a documentary that explores the deep bond between the Amazon rainforest and the Huni Kuin Indigenous people. The film underscores the urgent need to protect the forest and its untapped medicinal potential while sharing the ancient wisdom of its guardians.
Monaco resident Isabella Vieira, born in Brazil, is the Director and Producer of Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia, whose trailer was presented in the Principality on 10th September. She managed to assemble a team of young people who are passionate about the environment, film, and spirituality to give life to an inspiring story about the rainforests and its people, and the need to protect them, as well as an introduction to the untapped source of medicine of the jungle.
Through the elders’ teachings, the film explores the vital connection between man and nature and unveils the secrets of the guardians of wisdom. The Huni Kuin Indigenous people live in a shared territory between Brazil and Peru. They are immersed in and interconnected to the majestic Amazon rainforest and resist years of exploitation and persecution. Combining images, sounds, aromas, vibrations, and musical compositions, the film creates a holistic experience.
Monaco Life Features Journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha had an interesting conversation with Isabella Vieira, learning about her professional holistic journey, the passion and inspiration that helped her conceive the documentary, the challenges she faced in producing it, and her goal to premiere the film in Monaco early next year.
Monaco Life:Please tell us where you are from and what brought you to the Principality.
Isabella Vieira: My name is Isabella Vieira, but I am also known as Nawa Sia in my Huni Kuin indigenous tribe. The Huni Kuin, also known as the Kaxinawas, are a resilient and deeply spiritual people who have lived in harmony with the Amazon rainforest for centuries. Although I was not born in the Amazon rainforest, my ancestors lived there, and this deep connection to our heritage guides my role as an ambassador to showcase our ancestral culture worldwide.
I come from a modest family in Brazil, and my holistic approach to well-being, inspired by a sacred connection with nature, has led me to work with high-level athletes. I have developed an innovative Holistic Protocol, designed to integrate performance with inner balance, tailored explicitly for high-level sports people. I moved to Monaco, where many of my clients reside, and I recently established my company here to better serve their needs and continue my mission with a local presence, offering personalised support while honouring my cultural roots and continuing to promote my unique approach to wellness.
Isabella Vieira at the Press Conference at Le Meridien Monaco, September 10, 2024, to present the trailer of her documentary Nawa Sia The Secrets of the Amazonia. Photo provided
What is your professional background, and how did you become interested in filmmaking?
My professional journey is deeply rooted in a unique blend of spirituality, health, and wellness, shaped from a young age by spiritual teachings. Immersed in ancient wisdom, I learned to live in harmony with nature and to use this knowledge to guide others toward profound balance. This calling naturally led me to the field of well-being, mainly working with elite athletes.
The world of high-level sports is one where pressure is constant, requiring recovery beyond the physical to include mental and energetic rejuvenation. Athletes, faced with rigorous discipline and high expectations, often suffer from muscular pain, sleep disturbances, and emotional imbalances. My role is to guide them through a holistic regeneration process, allowing them to restore their inner balance and regain renewed vitality.
I have worked with Formula 1 drivers, Brazilian football players, and internationally renowned tennis players. By incorporating practices such as energy replenishment through nature, conscious breathing, meditation, and visualisation, I help these athletes transcend the limits imposed by pressure and reconnect with their inner strength. This innovative approach establishes a sacred link between body and mind, enabling them to face challenges with revitalised energy and renewed serenity.
My interest in filmmaking emerged from a deep desire to share this spiritual and cultural richness with the world. As an art form, cinema offers a powerful platform to transcend words and convey deep emotions and unique vibrations. Through this film, I aim to create immersive works that capture the essence of this holistic approach. Cinema thus becomes a therapeutic tool for revealing enriching and transformative perspectives, providing the audience with a sensory and emotional experience that resonates deeply with inner balance and the human experience.
What inspired you to make this documentary?
The creation of ‘Nawa Sia – Secrets of the Amazon’ arises from my role as an apprentice shaman and my deep commitment to honouring everything the forest has bestowed upon me. I feel a profound responsibility to protect and share the ancestral traditions of the Huni Kuin, which are now at risk. This ancient wisdom is threatened by increasing assaults on our forest: illegal resource exploitation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss endanger the Amazonian ecosystem and the traditional knowledge that has maintained harmony between humans and nature for centuries.
My goal is to illuminate and celebrate my culture, sharing this invaluable knowledge with the world while working to preserve it. The funds raised will support the establishment of a university to impart ancestral wisdom to young shamans and a school for indigenous children, offering education deeply rooted in their culture and environment. I want to give back what the forest has given me, ensuring that this wisdom and balance are preserved for future generations.
Can you describe your creative process and tell us about your team?
My inventiveness is rooted in a blend of meditation and intuitive listening, along with the unique synergy of my team. Given that I don’t come from a film background, I let my intuition guide the creation of this film, allowing my instinct to take over where a traditional script might have been used. My meditation practice helps me connect with subtle insights, guiding my creative vision and helping me assemble a team aligned with these insights.
Furthermore, I firmly believe that creativity thrives through collaboration. That’s why I chose passionate, self-taught professionals, each bringing their strengths to the table. For instance, my Director of Photography Israël Kamkhadji has been essential in translating my visions into powerful visuals. Videographer Liam Fabre has brought invaluable authenticity through his courage to explore the Amazon with me. At the same time, my sound engineer, Martial, enhances the film by transforming the sound into a 432 Hz frequency. Our process is highly collaborative, with a synergy that fuels creativity. This harmony ensures that the final product truly reflects our shared vision. Talented and passionate individuals, even without traditional film training, can achieve extraordinary things when their collaboration is guided by the correct energies.
Isabella Vieira surrounded by her team at Le Meridien Monaco, September 10, 2024. Photo provided.
What were the most challenging aspects of making this film?
Turning a spiritual and intuitive experience into a cinematic work was the most significant challenge. As a holistic therapist, I work with natural elements, energies, and vibrations, and it was complex to transform this invisible world into a film that is both engaging and accessible. Additionally, managing such an ambitious project independently, with a team of unconventional talents, required immense determination. Throughout the journey, I felt guided by my intuition and my ancestors. Even though this concept was complex to grasp logically, my team trusted in my vision.
The trip to the tribe was gruelling: an entire day spent in a small boat under stifling heat and overwhelming humidity. Upon arrival, the living conditions were extremely basic. We worked without electricity or internet, relying solely on solar panels to charge our equipment, and overcast days made it even more challenging. The lack of water was another significant difficulty, and I had to speed up the filming to overcome these limitations. On-site conditions were primary: we slept in hammocks, surrounded by insects like mosquitoes, lice, bedbugs, and spiders. The intense heat and lack of hygiene made every moment challenging. Every step had to be taken carefully to avoid hidden dangers in the jungle. Despite these challenges, every success was gratifying, reinforcing my determination and admiration for this extraordinary region. These obstacles were crucial in creating a robust and authentic film that stayed true to my mission as a holistic therapist and my intuition.
What conventions does the documentary incorporate? Does it use voiceover, re-enactments, archival footage, and interviews?
The documentary begins with a cinematic style inspired by a true story, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. It then transitions to a more introspective documentary format, using voiceover narration to delve deeply into the protagonist’s reflections on the meaning of life and their personal mission. This narration is crucial for revealing the protagonist’s inner dilemmas and existential questions.
Although the film does not use archival footage, its shift from cinematic storytelling to introspective exploration highlights a universal desire to break free from daily routines, search for one’s roots, and embark on a personal journey. ‘Nawa Sia’ goes beyond traditional film documentary conventions by engaging all five senses to explore the profound relationship between humans and nature. By combining the wisdom of the Huni Kuin people with voiceover narration, the film creates an immersive experience that illustrates how a deep connection to nature can enrich human existence. It enhances this experience by incorporating forest scents into the screening rooms for an aromatherapy effect. It features musical compositions at 432 Hz, designed to resonate with the natural frequencies of the human body. Every element is crafted to offer a fully immersive experience, transporting viewers into the sacred world of the Huni Kuin and emphasizing the essential harmony between humans and their natural environment.
What truths are presented in the documentary?
Nawa Sia reveals several fundamental truths: the necessity of protecting the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, who are the stewards of ancestral wisdom and global biodiversity; the crucial importance of the connection between humans and nature; and how this deep relationship can heal and balance our lives. The film also conveys a powerful message of resilience and faith in one’s destiny, showing that each person has a unique mission to fulfil and an intuition to follow. Finally, it demonstrates that remaining true to one’s values and vision can lead to outstanding achievements despite the challenges.
What are the objectives and the central message of this documentary?
‘Nawa Sia’ is more than just a documentary; it’s a vibrant call to action and reflection. This daring movie invites viewers to reassess their connection with nature, seek personal balance in harmony with our fragile environment, and consider the crucial question of protecting our planet. It urges us to embrace the unknown with courage, to listen to our inner voice, and to have faith in life itself.
At the heart of this cinematic journey is a powerful message: the preservation of the Amazon and the respect for the indigenous cultures that are its guardians.
The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace’s Rainier III Centre for Clinical Gerontology has welcomed a staff member to its team. Therapy dog Sépia will primarily be working with patients with cognitive disorders and impairments.
Sépia, a friendly three-year-old guide dog trained by the PACA-Corsica branch of the Les Chiens Guides d’Aveugles Association, started work at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) earlier this month.
The charming Labrador has settled in quickly, embarking on a series of meet-and-greets with patients at the Rainier III Centre for Clinical Gerontology.
She is following in the footsteps of other therapy dogs who have worked with the hospital over the years, including Jorka, who has worked in the Gerontology Clinic’s psychiatric wards and in physical rehabilitation medicine for the last two years.
Sépia, whose training took eight months, is being gradually introduced to her new tasks. Eventually, she will take over from Jorka and assist in both group and individual sessions with the Centre’s patients.
Speaking about the benefits of hosting therapy dogs in a hospital environment, Dr Sandrine Louchart, the head of the geriatric department, says, “This interaction between the animal and the patient allows for a moment of relaxation, well-being, and a time that is greatly appreciated by our residents and patients.”
The Rainier III Centre is the hospital’s dedicated geriatric service. It offers care to elderly patients diagnosed with cognitive disorders and impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as mobility issues and other health concerns. The in-patient services also provide palliative care and assistance to the CHPG’s Oncology Department in its care of elderly cancer sufferers.
To see more of Sépia, watch the CHPG’s video below:
