Franco-Maltese school exchange

A group of 12 boys from St Edward's College, Cottonera, accompanied by Mrs Dominique Inglott, and 12 girls from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, St Julian's, led by Mrs Edith Saliba, returned to Malta recently after a memorable one-week stay in Brittany, a beautiful region in north-west France.

Boys and girls from the Collège Notre Dame du Pont in Lanester, who hosted their Maltese counterparts, will fly to Malta on a return visit during the October/November mid-term. They will, in turn, be hosted by the Maltese students and their families.

On their arrival at Lann Bihoué Airport in Lorient, the Maltese fifth formers and their two teachers were warmly welcomed by the French hosting students, their families and teachers from Collège Notre Dame du Pont.

During their week's stay, the Maltese students took part in various lessons and sports activities - the highlights were undoubtedly climbing and canoeing on the Blavet river at Bol d'Air below the landmark Pont du Bonhomme.

The Maltese 'tourists' had ample opportunity to enhance their cultural knowledge through a series of excursions, ranging from visits to the awe-inspiring menhirs at Carnac, the historic town of Quimper, quaint Pont-Scorff with its fascinating Crafts Village to the artists' paradise of Pont-Aven and its breath-taking Bois de l'Amour, a source of inspiration for Paul Gauguin whose centenary the inhabitants of Pont-Aven are gearing up to celebrate next year.

After watching a very informative video about the history of Lanester, a guided walking tour was also organised.

The Maltese visit was highlighted in the local newspaper Le Télégramme and the group was greeted by the mayor of Lanester, who presented each member with a commemorative folder about the area.

On the eve of the Maltese group's departure, a farewell Soirée Crêpes was organised by the staff and helpers at the college.

The visit was over all too soon for the Maltese boys and girls. With plenty of opportunities to use French in real-life situations and experience the French way of life and customs, the Maltese students have returned to a new scholastic year full of enthusiasm.

The lucky French students selected to visit Malta will undoubtedly feel the same when their visit comes to an end in November. They, too, will experience a new country, a new environment and culture and, above all, a lasting Franco-Maltese friendship which is, after all, the main objective of this school exchange!