Transforming pain into purpose: Monaco launches art against bullying campaign

Through a new collaborative project backed by artists including the talented Mr OneTeas, schoolchildren in Monaco are using art to confront bullying.

On 21st November, Monaco Life attended a creative session at Lycée Albert Ier alongside the pupils who are raising awareness about the pain caused by bullying through a new and insightful campaign.

Organised by Women Leaders Worldwide Monaco (FLMM) in partnership with the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports, the initiative will unfold in the form of four workshops in November, during which middle and high school students will participate in art classes led by a number of renowned artists. Among those involved in the project are Beli, Mr OneTeas and Patrick Moya.

Supported by several FLMM members, the workshops are designed to provide a creative space where students can express their experiences and emotions related to bullying.

Ines Bensalah, a member of the Association des Jeunes Monaco and Youth Director of Women Leaders Worldwide Monaco, who spearheaded this initiative, shared with Monaco Life, “When I was younger, I experienced bullying so severe that I had to leave school. It was a turning point in my life because, without that experience, I don’t think I would have ever become an artist. In a way, it was destiny—I turned something painful into something positive. Now, I want to help other kids before they have to go through what I did.”

During the session, the third of the overall campaign, students collaborated on a collective mural, adding their individual contributions to a pre-existing artwork. The resulting piece is a visual representation of their shared stand against bullying, merging personal perspectives into a cohesive collective message. The session was led by Monaco’s well-known graffiti artist, Mr OneTeas.

“This initiative is incredibly meaningful because bullying is a significant issue in schools worldwide. It offers young people a way to express themselves and share feelings they might struggle to put into words. Art has the power to create real change,” Mr OneTeas told Monaco Life.

The broader project aims to compile the four murals created during these sessions into a collaborative art book titled Protège contre le harcèlement en milieu scolaire. The book, which will feature texts provided by the Pen Club to accompany the artwork, is scheduled for publication in April 2025.

One participating student told Monaco Life, “Seeing everyone’s work come together made me feel like I’m not alone.”

The next session will take place on Thursday 28th November at Lycée Rainier III.

 

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Photo credit: Chloé Jade Szibbat

Changes ahead for children’s health check-ups in France

The system for mandatory childhood medical examinations in France is changing from the start of 2025, marking a significant shift in how children’s health is monitored from birth to the age of 16.

Currently, children in France undergo 14 required medical examinations within their first three years of life. This will be reduced to 13 under new guidelines set out by the French government, which will come into effect on 1st January.

The examination to be excluded is typically conducted between the third week and the end of the first month of a newborn’s life. Instead, the early check-ups will focus on the first few weeks and months, with assessments taking place within the first eight days after birth, during the second week, and then monthly from the second to the fourth months. Health authorities believe this revised schedule will continue to provide sufficient coverage of critical developmental milestones.

In addition to the adjustments in early childhood, the new regulations introduce an extra examination for children during their seventh year. This brings the total number of check-ups between ages seven and 16 to four, compared to the current three.

These later assessments are designed to address the increasingly complex health needs of school-aged children and teens, focusing not just on physical health but also on mental well-being. Doctors will now screen for conditions such as anxiety and depression during these visits—a state-level recognition of the importance of mental health in a child’s overall development.

Each mandatory examination will provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s physical and psychological development and see healthcare professionals assess growth charts, psychomotor skills such as walking and grasping, and psycho-affective development, while also reviewing vaccination records to ensure they are up to date.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring children attend these mandatory appointments. By law, they are required to present their child for these examinations, which can be conducted by the child’s regular doctor or another qualified physician of their choice. Importantly, these check-ups are fully reimbursed by health insurance, with no upfront payment required, except in cases where fees exceed standard rates.

These changes reflect a more targeted approach to children’s healthcare, balancing the need for close monitoring in infancy with increased attention to the later stages of childhood. By adapting the schedule, health authorities aim to provide a more effective framework for ensuring children’s health and well-being as they grow.

For more information on these changes, click here.

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Photo credit: Daniel Thomas, Unsplash

Football: Maghnes Akliouche-inspired Monaco prepare for Champions League return with a win

Golovin is held aloft by his teammates after scoring in Monaco's win over Brest at the Stade Louis II.

Maghnes Akliouche netted a brace as AS Monaco prepared for Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter with Benfica with a hard-earned 3-2 win over Brest at the Stade Louis II on Friday.

Both Monaco and Brest are currently flying high in the Champions League having enjoyed unbeaten starts to their respective campaigns. However, only one side showed their true level in the first half.

A “nightmare night” for Brest

Brest, too passive, were cut open by Monaco’s first meaningful attack of the match with Eliesse Ben Seghir combining with fellow academy product Maghnes Akliouche for the opener. It was the latter who provided the finishing touch for his first, but not his last, of the night.

Brest’s “nightmare night”, in the words of Eric Roy, got worse in the 20-minute mark with key player Pierre Lees-Melou forced off with an injury, returning for the second-half on crutches. By 25 minutes, Les Pirates were two goals down thanks to Aleksandr Golovin’s finish following a misplaced pass from Lees-Melou’s replacement Edimilson Fernandes.

“It was his first of the season so very happy for ‘Golo’,” said Adi Hütter post-match. It wasn’t only his first goal of the season but his first goal contribution, a fact that has gone under the radar amid the exploits of Ben Seghir and Akliouche. 

Monaco let Brest back in

Breel Embolo could – and should – have made it 3-0 just before the break but he blasted over after some good work from Ben Seghir to get to the by-line, much to the frustration of Hütter. “We were guilty of letting them back in. There was a big chance for 3-0 and 2-0 is always a difficult score,” said the Austrian. 

As Hütter points out, the 2-0 scoreline at half-time represented a fragile dominance and it didn’t take much for Brest to apply the pressure. “In the second half, we showed our level,” said Roy, whose decision to bring on Kamory Doumbia allowed Brest to unsettle the Monaco defence.

Just five minutes into the second half, the Breton side reduced the deficit through Abdallah Sima. Chances were, however, at a premium for the visitors. When they came, they had to be taken, but they weren’t. Mama Baldé had a golden chance to equalise but, under pressure from Christian Mawissa, he blasted over.

With temperatures rising and Roy sent to the stands having been shown a red card for throwing his cap in disgust about a refereeing decision, “throwing your hat is now sanctionable”, he quipped, Monaco seized control once again.

Akliouche an “international-level player” – Hütter

George Ilenikhena forced Marco Bizot into a strong save but he was beaten shortly after. It was Ilenikhena who slipped Akliouche in and the latter pulled out a deft chip to settle the game. Ludovic Ajorque netted a late consolsation, but in vain as Monaco keep up the chase with Ligue 1 leaders PSG.

Naturally, Akliouche’s performance was the talking point post-match. “He has made a huge progression. For me, he is an international-level player,” began Hütter.

“He can be happy that he is an example [of our academy], the same as Eliesse, who came from the Groupe Élite and is now with the pros. When I arrived last season, I saw he was a talent but when you are up front or a No.10, you have to bring stats, and set-up or score goals. He brings us lots of stats. With two goals, he was for sure the key player tonight,” added the Monaco manager. 

It is a result that keeps the pressure on PSG, whilst keeping Marseille at arm’s length and one that also gives them confidence ahead of a Champions League match against Benfica, in which they can state their top-eight credentials.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Casino de Monte-Carlo sets sail aboard luxury cruise liner Crystal Symphony

In a historic first, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has launched its storied Casino de Monte-Carlo experience beyond the borders of Monaco, thanks to a landmark partnership with Crystal Cruises.

The legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo name and brand have gone international. The world-famous gaming venue is now earning its sea legs aboard Crystal Cruises’ luxury Crystal Symphony, an elegant and prestigious vessel that boasts one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry.

This major moment in the timeline of the Monaco icon was celebrated at an extravagant ribbon-cutting ceremony aboard the cruise liner in Venice on 14th November, attended by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) Chairman and CEO Stéphane Valeri and Manfredi Lefebvre, the Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, which owns Crystal Cruises.

The partnership between SBM and Crystal Cruises will see the Casino de Monte-Carlo expand its reach beyond the Principality for the first time in its nearly 160-year history. SBM opened the illustrious Casino de Monte-Carlo in July 1865, and the venue has been a world leader in high-stakes gaming ever since.

Now, passengers aboard Crystal Symphony can experience the thrill of this renowned attraction in a specially designed on-board space, which offers a range of 29 slot machines and three live tables featuring Blackjack, American Roulette, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Additionally, guests will have access to Crystal’s premium beverage offerings, including specialty cocktails and a collection of global wines served by Avenue Saloon. The casino’s design, led by SBM, draws inspiration from the original Casino de Monte-Carlo.

“We could not be prouder to unveil the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony this week,” said A&K Travel Group’s Lefebvre.

He spoke glowingly of the Group’s new partnership with SBM, calling the Monaco-based hospitality conglomerate “a global leader in the casino industry.” Lefebvre also praised the two parties’ shared commitment to delivering refined experiences for travellers.

“It is a huge pleasure to inaugurate the first Casino de Monte-Carlo ever outside the Principality of Monaco, on Crystal Symphony, and I am very grateful to Crystal for making this dream come true,” added SBM’s Valeri. “I am truly convinced that the ultimate cruise experience designed by Crystal, combined with the Monte-Carlo expertise in gaming, will strengthen our brands while creating unique moments.”

The new casino will soon expand to a second ship, Crystal Serenity, which is due to set sail from Fort Lauderdale on 18th December. Crystal has also announced plans to bring the upscale gaming experience to all its future oceangoing vessels, excluding expedition ships.

Read related:

SBM details strong financial results alongside major renovation and expansion projects

 

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Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Vassilis Spanoulis linked to Head Coach role at AS Monaco Basket

Since the surprise announcement that Sasa Obradovic would be leaving his role Head Coach of AS Monaco Basket, rumours have been swirling about who will replace him. One of the most convincing names is that of Vassilis Spanoulis, a legend of Greek basketball.

If the rumours are to be believed, AS Monaco has reportedly found a replacement for its Serbian former head coach in the form of Vassilis Spanoulis.

The news, first reported by Serbian outlet Meridian Sport on 19th November following Obradovic’s abrupt departure, could signal Spanoulis’ return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

The 42-year-old Spanoulis is most well-known for his exceptional playing career but has also enjoyed more recent successes as a coach at Peristeri Athens.

He is no stranger to EuroLeague glory, having claimed the title three times during his illustrious playing career and is one of the all-time top scorers in the history of the league.

Transitioning to coaching, he first led the EuroLeague Basketball Next Generation Tournament’s Select Team in 2021 before taking over Greek club Peristeri in 2022.

Under his guidance, Peristeri reached the Final Four of the Basketball Champions League, earning him the title of Best Coach of the 2023/24 season.

Spanoulis’ successes have extended to the international stage; he is credited with revitalising the Greek national team and helping them secure an Olympic berth and a quarterfinal appearance in Paris 2024.

His collaboration with NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo during the off-season further showcased his coaching prowess, with Antetokounmpo thanking Spanoulis for improvements in his game.

Monaco currently sits seventh in the EuroLeague standings—outside the top six spots that guarantee a direct path to the playoffs. In France’s Betclic Elite league, the Roca Team is sixth. With his winning mentality and tactical acumen, Spanoulis could be the spark that propels Monaco back into EuroLeague contention and closer to domestic dominance.

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Basketball: Roca Team parts ways with Sasa Obradovic

 

 

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Photo source: Peristeri B.C.

Village des Sports to bring Christmastime adventure to Port Hercule

Village des Sports

The popular wintertime Village des Sports will return to Port Hercule’s Darse Sud for the school Christmas holidays and offer plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, from obstacle courses to a zip line with incredible views of the Principality.

From Friday 20th December to Sunday 5th January 2025, the Village des Sports on the Darse Sud will run alongside the Village de Noël on the Quai Albert Ier.

Introduced last year as an additional feature of Monaco’s Christmas Village, the event proved highly successful and will be returning with a similar set-up of activities in less than a month’s time.

Among the offerings will be three obstacle courses inspired by the television show Ninja Warrior, a treetop adventure course and a climbing structure, catering to participants aged three and above. A highlight of the event will once again be the 180-metre-long zip line, allowing the daring to glide over the Route de la Piscine from the highest diving board of the Stade Nautique Rainier III.

Organised to complement the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Village, the initiative aims to provide an active, family-friendly attraction during the holiday season.

Further details, including opening hours and pricing, are available here. 

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Monaco’s Christmas Village embraces festive gingerbread theme for 2024

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco