ECOLINT MAGAZINE • N°22 SPRING / PRINTEMPS 2018

BEATING THE ODDS: HOW ONE ALUMNUS OVERCAME TRAGEDY

HUMANS OF ECOLINT

THE ECOLINT SPIRIT OF SCHOLARSHIPS CONTENTS

3 A word from the DG

4 Education inclusive : célébration d’une décennie 7 8 de succès March for Our Lives – Ecolint shows solidarity

5 Connections A second life for 9 our used bicycles In Brief CONTACTS EMAIL & TELEPHONE 6 Sport Plus Programme: Foundation [email protected] +41 (0)22 787 24 00 raising athletes to Admissions [email protected] +41 (0)22 787 26 30 the next level Alumni Office [email protected] +41 (0)22 787 25 55 La Grande Boissière [email protected] +41 (0)22 787 24 00 7 Breaking with convention: La Châtaigneraie [email protected] +41 (0)22 960 91 11 quand la flexibilité est Campus des Nations [email protected] +41 (0)22 770 47 00 de mise à l’Ecolint

WEB 8 Beating the odds: Foundation: www.ecolint.ch Ecolint Camps: www.ecolint-camps.ch how one alumnus Alumni: alumni.ecolint.ch Centre des arts: www.ecolint-arts.ch overcame tragedy Institute: www.ecolint-institute.ch

9 Les dess(e)ins de paix MAKE A GIFT d'Hani Abbas Ecolint is a not-for-profit Foundation. Our Development Associate Brian Wahlen is available to discuss ways of providing additional support via a regular or once-off donation. 10 The Smiths: one hundred Taxpayers from various jurisdictions, including the US, the UK and Switzerland, can benefit from tax deductions (see page 18). and twenty years aggregate at Ecolint Visit:www.ecolint.ch/support Contact: [email protected] +41 (0)22 787 26 19 12 The returnees IMPRESSUM Editor-in-Chief: Michael Kewley (Director of Marketing & Stakeholder Relations) 14 Humans of Ecolint Managing Editor: Thaïs Ruegg (Alumni Community Manager) Editorial Team: Catherine Mérigay (Communications Manager), 16 Doctor’s orders Francis Poncioni (Graphic Designer), Alejandro Rodriguez-Giovo (Foundation Archivist) Printed by PCL Presses Centrales S.A. / Production 14,000 copies 18 The Ecolint spirit International School of Geneva, 62, route de Chêne, CH-1208 Geneva of scholarships

Echo is published twice a year by the Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Department, International 19 The Halcyon days School of Geneva and is also available on the school and alumni websites. For more information about echo or to submit information for publication, or if you would like additional copies, please contact the of Walker and Tate Managing Editor ([email protected]). The Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Department has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this edition is accurate and complete. However, 20 The Back Board despite our sincere desire to avoid errors they might occur. © Copyright International School of Geneva, May 2018. [email protected] ON THE COVER: Alumnus Chris Hutchison

2 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 A WORD FROM THE DG

Dear members of the Ecolint community, for students who come from difficult realities and backgrounds not represented As I continue on the first year of my at Ecolint today, who show exceptional journey as Director General, it is clear promise and potential, who have to me that one of the most celebrated demonstrated qualities that would enrich aspects of being a member of this the school and who would be unable to community is its diversity. Since its attend without a full scholarship. We have inception, Ecolint has made diversity, already identified donors to support this in all the ways that can be conceived, initiative and we will be inviting others one of its key strengths. We have had to participate soon. We plan to bring this students from just about every country initiative to life starting with a limited in the world attend the school, and today number of scholarships for students the staggering range of our nationalities where we have some enrolment capacity. and languages remains a hallmark. For the 2018-19 school year, this will With our commitment to inclusion, our be for speakers of French, starting in conception of diversity goes far beyond years eleven or twelve at the La Grande nationality. Boissière campus.

In this issue of Echo we hear the stories With this project we hope to revive of two alumni, Beti Rucamuvyuma the inclusive spirit that animated our from Burundi and Vicky Stereva from school in 1929, when Ecolint’s earliest Bulgaria, who represent an aspect scholarship project was launched, of diversity from our past that is less also with the support of donors. present today, namely, socioeconomic Those original 15 scholarship students diversity. They would no doubt agree obviously benefited from the noble and with the many alumni who have visionary educational experience Ecolint reached out to me to let me know the had to offer, but they also enriched the extent to which an Ecolint scholarship students contributed to the educational school immeasurably, with positive transformed the trajectory of their lives. experience for everyone at Ecolint. To repercussions that are still felt 89 years Comments have not just come from have this kind of diversity in the school later. I am very hopeful that many recipients of scholarships, but also is as much an educational initiative as members of our community will be able from Ecolint alumni who let me know it is a moral imperative. And it aligns to support this initiative to sow seeds of of the enormous benefits of having, well with our charter, which is: “... solidarity, the benefits of which we will for example, war refugees among their based on the principles of equality and reap for decades to come. classmates and how enriching it was solidarity among all peoples and of the to have these perspectives, whether it equal value of all human beings without was understanding the nature of civil any distinction of nationality, race, sex, David Hawley conflict or a different understanding language or religion.” Director General of what it means to be alive. What is most powerful in all of the stories I have I am pleased to announce that we intend heard is how much these scholarship to relaunch a scholarship programme

BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER The International School of Geneva is a not-for-profit foundation and our day-to-day costs are covered by tuition fees. The school relies on financial support from our community and partners to help achieve development projects. Get in touch to discuss how you can help! Different ways of giving | Support for specific projects | Donor recognition opportunities | Legacies

With your support, we can make a difference for current and future generations of Ecolint students.

Contact Brian Wahlen, Development Associate, at [email protected] or +41 (0)22 787 26 19 Visit us at www.ecolint.ch/support

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 3 NEWS AND VIEWS

EDUCATION à l’Ecolint, le programme s’est étoffé et complété d’année en année. Il franchira une INCLUSIVE : étape importante en septembre prochain CÉLÉBRATION avec l’inauguration de l’unité accueillant les élèves de secondaire à La Châtaigneraie. D’UNE DÉCENNIE En une décennie, l’ESP est ainsi passé DE SUCCÈS d’une petite structure permettant d’accueillir une poignée d’enfants dans une fourchette En juin prochain, nous fêterons le tout d’âge restreinte à une véritable «école dans premier diplôme de l’IB décerné à un élève l’école» avec septante-cinq élèves de 3 à ayant suivi la totalité du Programme de 18 ans sur les trois campus. soutien approfondi à l’Ecolint. Grâce à la vision et au soutien indéfectible de la SASA La SASA Setton Foundation soutient Setton Foundation, active dans l’aide aux également la Conférence annuelle projets éducatifs, les élèves présentant «SEN» (Special Educational Needs). Cet des besoins particuliers en matière événement, qui fêtera également ses dix d’apprentissage bénéficient d’un programme ans l’année prochaine, rassemble des extrêmement ciblé et personnalisé. professionnels de l’éducation spécialisée, des enseignants et des parents pour Chaque enfant, quelles que soient ses une journée de présentation et d’ateliers compétences d’apprentissage, a droit au donnés par des spécialistes de renommée meilleur enseignement possible. Cette internationale. notion prend tout son sens à l’Ecolint grâce au principe d’admission non-sélective et à Dans quelques mois sera organisée la la création, il y a dix ans, du Programme de célébration de ces dix ans de collaboration soutien approfondi (en anglais Extended fructueuse, avec notamment une exposition Support Programme ou «ESP»). de travaux d’élèves de l’ESP, la participation de notre premier diplômé et diverses Initié tout d’abord à La Grande Boissière interventions. par Teresa Nunn, enseignante spécialisée

MARCH FOR to legislation on guns and an end to the children’s rights everywhere, no matter needless slaughter of innocent students in where they’re being infringed,” says OUR LIVES – their schools. Sofìa, whose cousin attends school in ECOLINT SHOWS Maryland, where another school shooting “We are aware that this isn’t an claimed the lives of students just days SOLIDARITY international problem and could be before the march took place. “We want to considered only an American issue. stand as young people advocating for the Inspired by the mass march in Washington, safety of other students just like DC and parallel demonstrations across the ourselves. This is a cause we feel United States and beyond, and keen to very passionate about. School show solidarity with students of a similar should be a place of learning age around the world, La Châtaigneraie where one feels safe, and we’re students Emeline Moorhead and Sofìa lucky enough to have this,” adds Mareque organized a March For Our Lives Emeline, her classmate and rally on Saturday 24th March. With less co-organizer, whose father John than a week to plan and communicate the Moorhead (LGB ‘82) is also an event, the two courageous young women Ecolint alumnus. assembled a crowd of over 100 students, parents, teachers and alumni from across The rally drew the attention Ecolint and beyond. Armed with colourful of both local and international placards bearing slogans such as “No media, and demonstrated once more silence, end gun violence!” and March for Our Lives Rally at Place des Nations again the importance of our “What do you want to be IF you grow mission and the expectation up?”, the peaceful protest took place at the contained therein that Ecolint Place des Nations, in front of the United However, we feel very strongly that we students will “take an active part in Nations headquarters, to demand changes should be standing up for students’ and making the world a better place”.

4 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 NEWS AND VIEWS 6 DEGREES OF ECHO SEPARATION IN BRIEF... Alumni worldwide, mark your In putting this issue together, we noticed calendars: the 2019 World BETI a number of unintended connections MENUHIN Reunion will take place we wanted to highlight: COMPETITION June 21-23, 2019.

GEORGE The piano lessons taken by WALKER Denis CAPOLINO (p.15) This year’s Kermesse dates are given by Anna SMITH (p.10). are the following: YEHUDI DENIS MENUHIN CAPOLINO - LGB: 26 May; Finn MAHLER (p.16) founded - La Châtaigneraie: 16 June; the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre THE SPORTS PLUS - Campus des Nations: 16 June. that works closely with PROGRAMME the SPORTS PLUS PROGRAMME (p.6) at Campus des Nations. BARRY ANNA The Consultative General SMITH SMITH Assembly of the Governing George WALKER (p.19) is the one Board will take place on 15 May, FINN who figured out a way for Beti (p.18) MAHLER 2018 at the La Châtaigneraie to attend Ecolint. campus.

At time of publishing, Ecolint is co-hosting the Menuhin Competition, which is the leading international competition for young violinists. It was founded by Yehudi Menuhin, regarded The Alumni Association will by many as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century. hold its AGM the morning of the LGB Kermesse, on This is the same Yehudi Menhuin who showed up in Barry SMITH’s parents’ evening (p.10), 26 May 2018. to enquire about his grandson’s progress in maths. All alumni are welcome to attend. More info at [email protected]

A SECOND LIFE Switzerland-based organisation Velafrica, which not only collects and renovates old FOR OUR USED bicycles for re-use in Africa, but also works BICYCLES with Swiss social institutions to provide work integration placement to people with disabilities and the unemployed. On a cold November morning at La Châtaigneraie, a 12-metre-long shipping In February 2018, Ecolint received the container, kindly donated by the shipping happy news that the container had arrived company MSC, was loaded onto a truck in Cape Town, been cleared through to be transported by Impala Terminals customs and been unpacked by BEN staff. first to Lausanne, then to Antwerp and Thanks to the efforts of Ecolint students, onto its final destination, Cape Town in parents and staff, to the dedication of South Africa. Inside: 477 bicycles, both institutions such as Velafrica and BEN, and adult- and child-sized, donated by the to the logistical support of MSC, Impala Ecolint community and Velafrica to the Terminals and Trafigura, 477 South African Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN), children and youngsters received a shiny, an NGO based in South Africa. Training newly-renovated bicycle to facilitate their young people as bike mechanics, BEN 477 bicycles shipped to South Africa daily trips to school and work. All in all, this gives old bicycles a second life, selling initiative served not only as evidence that them at extremely low cost or donating go to school, thus helping them and their humanitarianism and sustainability go hand them to children and youth in Cape Town’s community to build a brighter future for in hand, but also as a prime example of underprivileged neighbourhoods. For themselves. recycling – for as a bicycle’s life seemingly many children, particularly those living in ended in Switzerland, it began rural communities, owning a bicycle can To ensure that the container was put to full anew in South Africa. make the difference in enabling them to use, Ecolint and BEN partnered with the

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 5 SPORTS PLUS PROGRAMME: RAISING ATHLETES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

THE SPORTS PLUS PROGRAMME STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 2017 AT CAMPUS DES NATIONS WITH THE GOAL OF SUPPORTING ELITE ATHLETES, IN BOTH THEIR SPORT AND THEIR ACADEMIC WORK. IN THIS FIRST TRIAL YEAR, NINE ATHLETES WERE TAKEN ON TO IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS A SPORTS PROGRAMME COULD OFFER. HENRY LAWTON, A CURRENT STUDENT IN THE PROGRAMME, GIVES US AN INSIDER’S LOOK.

The team of nine athletes that make up levels. But Antoine Laffay has ensured that they have to catch up with missed work. the Sports Plus Programme includes three everyone has the means to succeed via They also meet with Antoine once a month basketball players (Limbu Mwangala, the development of personalised training to discuss any academic issues. Tutoring Harrison Larwood, Liam Tissot), a cyclist programmes which are discussed and sessions are organised when necessary, (Henry Lawton), a skier (Osamu Okuma), agreed upon by all involved. Henry explains which relieves stress for the athletes as a rock climber (Christopher Breckenridge), how this works: “It’s efficient: regularly, my they know they have the support from their a football player (Amy Wouters), a track cycling and school coaches discuss where teachers and fellow students. athlete (Héloïse Hughes) and a synchronised I am going, what my next goals are and swimmer (Danielle Blumer). how they can best prepare me for them, All athletes in the Sports Plus Programme increasing the feeling of organisation and have been improving physically and this in Setting concrete goals coordination, and therefore removing a great turn is leading to stronger results. Limbu, The aim is to support athletes in both deal of stress”. who plays basketball, explains: “I can their short- and long-term athletic goals. definitely feel the benefits of the structured This is achieved through the collaboration Ensuring recovery training, especially during the last few between the athletes’ personal trainers, the The programme also needs to ensure that minutes of a game when everyone is tired school’s coach, Kamel Boudjellaba, doctors, an athlete’s health is not put in danger. and I still have that little bit of energy left.” nutritionists and a physiotherapist from Training programmes and small injuries are Henry adds: “The programme helped the La Tour Sports Medicine Department, discussed with the physiotherapist and the me work towards my main goal for the which is affiliated with Swiss Olympic sports doctor. This medical support also velodrome season: to win the general Sports. Antoine Laffay, Sports Director at allows athletes quick access to medical classification at the international velodrome Ecolint, and founder of the project, is at the professionals when needed. Osamu race, the 4 Jours de Genève. This year, my centre of these elements, coordinating each recently suffered a serious knee injury while preparation gave me much more confidence athlete’s development. Swimmer Danielle racing. “I am very grateful to the program and enabled me to lead the race.” explains, “It’s been a good start in helping because it has allowed me to respond me achieve my long-term goals, because rapidly to my injury,” he says. “With solid After a very successful start to this it has made my short-term goals much communication and medical structures project, which continues to develop, easier to target.” Basketball player Harrison in place, I was able to see a renowned the programme looks set to become a adds: “the programme has helped me a surgeon immediately. I have swiftly permanent fixture at Campus des Nations. lot as I am already close to the goal I set in transitioned to a rehabilitation programme We look forward to supporting elite athletes September: increasing my endurance. I can with regular physiotherapy appointments.” in helping them achieve their goals, both now sustain the same effort for the majority academically and athletically. of a basketball game.” Supporting academics The sports programme also supports For more information, contact All the athletes have different goals, play academic development. When athletes miss [email protected]. different sports and compete at different school owing to a competition or training,

6 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 BREAKING WITH CONVENTION: QUAND LA FLEXIBILITÉ EST DE MISE À L’ECOLINT

AS THE OLDEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE WORLD AND A PIONEER IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, ECOLINT TAKES PRIDE IN ITS DEDICATION TO FOSTERING PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION. TANIA GENTET GANOSE REPORTS ON TWO INITIATIVES THAT EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES THAT BREAK WITH CONVENTIONAL CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENTS.

le moment où les enfants flexible learning initiatives. “With changes découvrent le monde de la in the IB Primary Years Programme coming responsabilité, ils peuvent up that lean towards giving students s’approprier leur propre greater ownership over what they’re apprentissage, devenant plus learning, the Learning Pod has enabled us autonomes et travaillant deux to pilot a different way of learning where fois plus dur. children focus on developing the skills and tools to find the information that they The learning pod need, and evaluating it, rather than simply At Campus des Nations acquiring content,” explained Christelle Primary School, a further Lonez. «Nous savons que l’environnement step has been taken in est le troisième enseignant aux côtés giving students greater de l’élève et de l’enseignant,» renchérit self-direction with the Jennifer Armstrong. «Un environnement Learning Pod – a research intelligemment construit contribue à initiative led by Technology l’apprentissage ; dans ce cas particulier, il for Learning Coordinator favorise l’esprit d’initiative et le sentiment Classes modulables Jennifer Fenton and fellow Primary staff. d’autodétermination des élèves en rendant A l’Ecole primaire de La Châtaigneraie, c’est Over a period of five weeks, a group of visible leur apprentissage et en favorisant la classe modulable qui est en cours d’essai 28 students in years 3 to 6, guided by five le développement des compétences sous l’impulsion de l’enseignante Carole Ly. teachers (or ‘mentors’), co-created their essentielles à la démocratie – celles du Ainsi, à la place d’avoir tous les yeux tournés curriculum in such a way that it aligned with service à et de la responsabilité envers les vers le tableau, les élèves peuvent choisir the conceptual understandings that their individus et les groupes». leur place à l’un des nombreux postes de year level would be doing and connected travail répartis dans la pièce. Ceux-ci sont with each individual’s passion. Through aussi nombreux qu’ils sont variés : une self-directed learning and self-assessment, table basse avec des coussins tout autour students would plan their week, breaking posés sur un tapis bien moelleux ; une ligne down their plan for the day based on de sièges-ballons nichés sous une série learning goals in maths and literacy that de bureaux triangulaires ; un ensemble de they set for themselves under the guidance fauteuils dépareillés, aussi commodes les of their mentors. This enabled the children uns que les autres ; les bureaux d’école to know what they needed to learn next in traditionnels avec leur ensemble de order to move forward in their learning curve chaises ou tabourets ; et même un canapé while improving their time management At Ecolint, education is about empowering dissimulé dans un coin de la pièce pour skills, their organisational choices and other students to become great human beings, ceux qui cherchent un espace tranquille. soft skills. While the Learning Pod was and knowing who you are and making Et le choix ne s’arrête pas là, car les carried out on a trial basis for a short period, the right choices is central to that. With élèves doivent également choisir avec qui it nonetheless yielded a vast amount of teachers such as Carole Ly and Jennifer travailler en fonction des tâches à accomplir data that can now be examined further in Fenton who nurture self-esteem, durant la journée. Ainsi, en réfléchissant order to see what structures worked and motivation for learning and responsibility à leurs propres forces et faiblesses et en establish which elements of the Pod can be by valuing the diverse learning needs and en assumant la responsabilité, les élèves incorporated into regular teaching. methods of each student, Ecolint is helping s’associent naturellement en équipes Both Jennifer Armstrong and Christelle shape students who are stronger, better complémentaires. Pour Carole, le rôle de Lonez, School Principals at La Châtaigneraie equipped and more mindful to deal with l’enseignant doit être celui d’un facilitateur Primary and Campus des Nations Primary the challenges of the future. ou d’un coach plutôt que d’un policier. Dès respectively, have strongly supported these

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 7 BEATING THE ODDS: HOW ONE ALUMNUS OVERCAME TRAGEDY

CHRIS HUTCHISON GRADUATED FROM LA CHÂTAIGNERAIE IN 2009. HE PASSED HIS IB WITH SUCCESS, AND WAS READY FOR UNIVERSITY IN SEPTEMBER. A TYPICAL ECOLINT GRADUATE, INTERESTED IN A THOUSAND DIFFERENT THINGS, LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SUMMER IN GENEVA BEFORE HEADING OFF. THEN A SPLIT-SECOND DECISION CHANGED THE COURSE OF HIS LIFE. THAIS RUEGG CAUGHT UP WITH THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR.

Chris often refers to it as his own “butterfly Visiting his effect” moment: he simply leaned against a alma mater stopped train at the Nyon train station. The Chris visited La next thing he knew, he was waking up to Châtaigneraie at doctors in a hospital telling him he had lost both the end of January his legs in a train accident. The train had pulled to share his story away suddenly, pulling him underneath it, with a class of sectioning off his legs and leaving him blind in young students one eye. Quite some news for a 17 year-old. who dream of starting their Thoughts on recovery own companies Today, nine years after the accident, Chris someday. “Always has two prosthetic legs, and walks on his make sure you are own with the help of crutches. His journey talking to people towards healing is an inspiring one, and who know more it is filled with philosophical insight. “Life than you do,” is beautiful,” Chris says. “And life is also Jil Robinson, Chris Hutchison, Beatrice Hoesli, and Ian Smith at La Chât Chris encouraged. suffering. I strive towards appreciating every “It’s always moment; even when it’s a not a pleasant important to rely moment, I try to derive joy from it. When Out of the ashes on the knowledge of specialists. There’s you are suffering in a way that others can In 2013, Chris and his father founded Prosfit, no use in re-inventing the wheel.” clearly see, it becomes a conduit for deeper a company that provides below-knee 3D discussion. People start telling me their printed prosthetic sockets. “The idea for The students sat in attentive silence, taking stories all the time.” Prosfit started with a mind-map scrawled on in the words of the young entrepreneur who A3 paper,” explains Chris, “after a physically had walked the same halls, interacted with Chris often talks about the “lizard brain,” uncomfortable plane ride back from South the same teachers, and faced the same and how he used the tough, single-minded, America, during which my legs were in challenges as they do daily. Chris spoke “need-my-next-fix” mechanisms that can constant pain owing to ill-fitting sockets.” with humour and transparency about being so often be employed negatively by human Chris and his father worked relentlessly out a double-amputee. He passed around his beings, to overcome his situation. “I was of their apartment for a year, doing research, prosthesis, explaining to the students the kind dealing with extremely heavy phantom getting prototype software, putting together of difference a good socket-fitting makes, and pains, and being given very strong opiates,” a clinical investigation, and proactively making how 3D printing has made the process so he explains. “But I knew I needed to be at connections. much easier. Students lined up to thank him at Saint Andrews in less than a year (they had the end of his talk, saying they’d been inspired, deferred my entrance by a year). I needed a The project found investors in the emerging and asking if they could stay in touch to ask for clear mind and a healed body.” Chris put his community of entrepreneurs in Bulgaria, advice for their own business ideas. drive to work: he stopped the pain medicine, where the family resettled after the from one day to the next, experiencing accident, and Prosfit was officially launched. As Chris left the campus, heading towards screaming pain and symptoms close to those “I still can’t believe no one else had the his next meeting, this time with Swiss of a heroin withdrawal, coming out stronger idea before us. If you have an idea, and television, he confided with a smile: “You than ever, and learning to walk again in record it’s a good one, there’s no telling how far it know the funny thing is, the IB is probably time. “That drive had always been there. But can go. If you work at it hard enough, and the hardest thing these students will ever do. the accident gave me a positive channel for connect with the right people, it could really It’s certainly been the hardest thing I’ve ever it, and I’ve been able to put that same energy become something viable,” says Chris with done; setting up my company was easy in into creating my own business.” a gleam in his eye. comparison!”

8 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 BEATING THE ODDS: LES DESS(E)INS DE PAIX HOW ONE ALUMNUS D’HANI ABBAS

OVERCAME TRAGEDY C’EST UN PROFESSEUR PEU ORDINAIRE QUI DONNE DES COURS AUX ÉLÈVES DE L’ECOLINT. EN MAI 2014, IL REÇOIT DES MAINS DE KOFI ANNAN LE PRIX INTERNATIONAL DU DESSIN DE PRESSE. CATHERINE MÉRIGAY PART À LA RENCONTRE DE CE SYRIEN EN EXIL À GENÈVE.

Par la grande qualité de son enseignement, Hani Abbas teaches the art of cartooning cette école façonne to students at LGB. Exiled from Syria les hommes et les since 2012, for drawing a cartoon of a femmes de demain. soldier breaking ranks to smell a flower De nombreuses representing the Syrian revolution, Hani décisions seront continues to denounce the suffering in entre leurs mains. Syria from his home in Geneva. C’est pourquoi il est extrêmement Hani shares his stories with students, and important pour moi often brings up those which oppose war En 2014, Hani Abbas reçoit le prix international du dessin de de leur parler de paix, through art, music, painting and poetry. presse des mains de Kofi Annan et en présence du maire de de justice et de liberté These stories stay with students, and move Genève, Guillaume Barazzone (photo: cartooningforpeace.org) d’expression. them to work towards peace in a variety of different ways. Hani has just released his Sur son dessin le plus connu, un soldat Parfois, je leur raconte des histoires first book, and will soon be exhibiting his rompt les rangs pour respirer une fleur édifiantes sur des gens que je connais ou je works in several European cities. symbolisant la révolution syrienne… leur parle de mon parcours. Nous évoquons Voilà le «crime» qui a valu à Hani Abbas ceux qui s’opposent à la guerre à travers l’art, d’être menacé par le régime de Damas et la musique, la peinture, le chant et la poésie. contraint à l’exil en 2012. Depuis Genève, Ces récits restent ancrés dans les mémoires; le dessinateur continue à dénoncer les ils sont de véritables leçons et motivent souffrances du peuple syrien. Armé de à s’engager. Lorsque je parle aux élèves, son seul crayon. j’observe leurs réactions et leur manière de s’impliquer dans le récit. Je leur demande Votre famille a vécu l’exil sur trois ensuite de dessiner ce qu’ils ont ressenti et générations : votre père a fui la Palestine ils l’expriment magnifiquement. et vous avez dû quitter la Syrie avec votre épouse et votre fils Madj. Parvenez-vous à transmettre l’espoir au Comment abordez-vous avec lui peuple syrien à travers ce lourd héritage ? la publication de vos dessins? Mon père avait quatre ans lorsqu’il a fui la J’ai beaucoup d’amis en Syrie et beaucoup Palestine avec sa famille. Mon fils avait le d’abonnés sur ma page Facebook. Nous même âge lorsque nous avons quitté la partageons notre espoir. L’année dernière, Syrie. La même scène s’est répétée… j’ai j’ai organisé des expositions de mes incarné la version 2012 de mon grand-père travaux, notamment à Alep, sous les portant mon père dans ses bras. bombardements. Mes dessins ont été publiés dans un magazine distribué dans les Malheureusement, mon fils se souvient zones libres de Syrie. Nous échangeons des Publié en 2012 sur Facebook, ce dessin encore de la guerre et de ces images messages tous les jours et j’essaie d’aider provoque la colère du régime de Damas cruelles. J’espère que le temps soignera ses autant que possible. et contraint son auteur à l’exil. souvenirs et le fera oublier. Nous discutons de nos origines et de nos racines, de cette Quels sont vos projets futurs? identité que la guerre a essayé de nous voler. J’ai publié mon premier livre il y a un mois. Nous espérons pouvoir un jour retourner Il rassemble des textes et des dessins sur Retrouvez Hani Abbas sur Facebook dans notre patrie. la révolution, la liberté et l’asile politique. Je ou sur le site de la fondation vais monter des expositions et proposer des Dessins pour la paix: Vous enseignez le dessin de presse aux séances de dédicaces dans plusieurs villes www.cartooningforpeace.org élèves de l’Ecolint. Comment réagissent- les mois prochains. J’espère que beaucoup ils quand vous les sensibilisez à ce que liront mon témoignage sur la Syrie et mon vous avez vécu ? message de liberté, de justice et de paix.

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 9 THE SMITHS: ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY AGGREGATE YEARS AT ECOLINT

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ABOUT ECOLINT DYNASTIES, THOSE FAMILIES WHO HAVE HAD MULTIPLE GENERATIONS INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL. THE SMITHS GIVE US A HISTORY OF THEIR TIME AND FAVOURITE MEMORIES AT ECOLINT.

The parents: Barry and Diana as a collection of large wooden cabins: an going to the library where Miss Fletcher In April 1970, newlyweds Diana and Barry ideal environment for young, adventurous would read the children stories with her Smith arrived in Geneva, from Sheffield, primary students! Les Marronniers opened lilting Scottish voice. Cups of milk were in the UK. Barry had been offered a job as in September 1985, welcoming the classes distributed at break and the children played Mathematics teacher at the International from La Gradelle into its walls: it was a shiny endlessly with the ducklings and chicks School of Geneva. The couple was looking new state-of-the-art school where students in Mrs Lagnado’s classroom. Anna did all forward to new adventures in their lives: were able to develop their knowledge and her primary school on “the French side,” learning to ski, improving their French, creativity to the maximum. transitioning to “the English side” for travelling and making new friends from all secondary school and graduating in 1990. over the world. After 30 happy years of teaching primary “Being a staff child was interesting,” she students, in 1997 Diana was given the says. “Many of the adults my parents opportunity to go down to socialised with were also my teachers. It Monaco for a few weeks, was like getting a ‘behind-the-scenes’ sneak as acting Principal of its peek. It could be awkward at times, but that International School. The didn’t happen very often!” weeks soon turned into months and the months Anna came back to LGB in 2002, to work into two years! “Finally, in the Campus Services, looking after the I felt it was time to return school lunches, school buses, maintenance, to Geneva,” explains cleaning and security. “It’s quite an intense Diana, “where Ecolint was job but the team gets to see so many opening a small annexe different people and no two days are alike. to La Châtaigneraie: the The mix of nationalities and cultures at Mies Campus.” The Ecolint is amazing – I noticed this as a former car showroom did student, and still now as part of the staff. Barry and Diana after retirement not seem as if it would be The way children can get along, no matter an ideal school building, where they come from, is nothing short of but over the next six inspiring!” Retired teachers often pop in to Barry soon settled down into his teaching years, Diana and the team created a bijou see Anna. “It’s always fun to catch up with at LGB, while Diana accepted a post at the school, greatly loved by staff, students and them; some of them I’ve literally known all Lycée des Nations in Bellevue in September parents. my life!” Anna and her sister regularly talk 1970. Over the next few years, they had about them with their parents. Anna teaches two daughters, Anna and Lucy, whom they In 2005, Diana became Principal of the piano in the afternoons and has done so for sent to Ecolint. The girls spent most of their Primary School at La Châtaigneraie where over 25 years now. She has two daughters, primary years in what was then the ‘French she spent the next four years, followed 17 and 12 years old. side’, moving over to the English section for by a final year as Principal at the Campus secondary school. des Nations. “While all our schools are Diana Smith’s class dedicated to providing a stimulating and While Barry continued teaching Maths at enriching education to our international LGB, becoming Head of the Mathematics students, each campus has its very own Department, Diana moved from Bellevue distinctive feel which makes them unique to Rue Schaub, as the Lycée Des Nations learning environments where lasting and La Châtaigneraie became part of the memories are made.” International School of Geneva. Rue Schaub and Bellevue closed in 1979, putting an The eldest daughter: Anna end to the Lycée des Nations, and sending Anna’s earliest LGB memories are in Grade Diana to La Gradelle, which many students 1 in Miss Hansen’s class in the La Gradelle and teachers from the 70s will remember wooden cabins, playing in the sandbox and

10 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 The younger daughter: Lucy mathematical Lucy’s earliest LGB memories are also in knowledge. THE SMITHS: ONE HUNDRED grade 1, in Nicole Pitteloud’s class in the Since retiring, Primary School which is now the Middle he has worked School. “I had the privilege to spend my 16 as a supply AND TWENTY AGGREGATE years of schooling at LGB with other staff teacher for the children, like Ian Wise, Kenny Kerswell, department Robert Douglas, Fernanda Guerrero and and tutored YEARS AT ECOLINT Claire Billington,” explains Lucy. “It made many students life easier, since one of the few hard things through their about going to Ecolint is that friends and IB Higher Level students come and go nearly every year. Maths. “They Being in a class with so many staff children say Music and brought me a certain stability, which I Mathematics really appreciated.” Just like her sister, go hand in Lucy went up through the school partly on hand,” Barry The Smiths, early 80s the French side and then on the English says. “As a side. “The Ecolint spirit stays for life! I’ve musician and encountered many former students from mathematician, my most treasured memory alumni? After a combined 120 years – and school throughout my professional life in has to be a certain parents’ evening when counting! – of memories, the Smiths would various multinationals, and you immediately the late, great Yehudi Menuhin arrived say it’s a mix of the annual Kermesses notice that once an ‘Ecolinter’ always an unexpectedly to discuss his grandson’s (a time for families to get together and ‘Ecolinter’; it really is a true community, progress in Mathematics. A moment I will taste delights from around the world, and and I am very attached to this part of my never, ever forget!” reconnect with old friends); of dramatic and life even though I wasn’t the most scholarly artistic productions of a very high standard; of students. The school grounds in the Diana finds it hard to retire and shake off of graduation ceremonies with famous 80s were amazing, students were very her love of children and education. Since personalities to celebrate the end of an era privileged to have such a beautiful campus, withdrawing from professional life she has for students. It’s ski weeks and classes with the Greek Theatre, football field, the helped to open schools in India and Africa. vertes, Arts Week, and fundraising events woods and the vast space which students She still visits India regularly to train young for different charities. It’s Escalade, science had access to.” Lucy is currently a member teachers and help resource the schools. The fairs, mathematics competitions around of the Ecolint Alumni Association and works Ecolint spirit and ethos continues to be part Europe. But most of all, it’s the lifelong full time at the World Economic Forum in of the Smiths’ lives and Diana is still able to friendships they have made, that continue the European Government relationship share these strengths and ideals with children even though many friends have moved team. She plays polo and has two sons and teachers, especially in Southern India. away from Geneva. aged 5 and 2 years old. They are her proudest achievements. So what makes Ecolint so special for the teachers, students and thousands of And then comes retirement Barry retired in 2004 from LGB, but he has never lost his love of sharing his vast

Quiz featured in 1996 LGB yearbook

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 11 THE RETURNEES

CONTINUING OUR SERIES ON FORMER ECOLINT STUDENTS WHO HAVE RETURNED TO TEACH AT THE SCHOOL, IN THIS EDITION, WE MEET REBECCA TYRRELL (LA CHAT ‘84) AND BIJAN MOGHBEL (LGB ‘03).

Rebecca TYRRELL What did you (La Chât ‘84) do after leaving Ecolint? > Head of Support Services For several years > Primary School, La Châtaigneraie I taught as a mainstream class When did you start teaching at Ecolint, teacher and went and on which campus? on to fulfil a range of I joined La Châtaigneraie in 2012 to varied but linked roles coordinate Learning Support and then whilst undertaking the Support Services in 2013 when the an MSc and later an Extended Support Programme (ESP) began. MA in the fields of speech, language and When were you a student and at which literacy. I worked as a campus? teacher in a dyslexia My first fond memories are as a student unit, a speech and in 1972-3 at the Lycée des Nations, language therapist, Bellevue. I later joined La Chât in 1977 an Advisory teacher (along with my sister Luci and some years for Specific Learning afterwards Carina). Thanks to inspirational Difficulties (working teachers, it was a period that sowed the towards our Local seeds for lifelong learning in us all (with Authority becoming There was a real sense of belonging and gratitude also to Mr Lee whose advice on one of the early ones to achieve “dyslexia community then, which is no less today the eve of the IB I thankfully heeded!). friendly” accreditation by the BDA) and – remarkable considering how the school Not so long ago, I marvelled at the then a Teacher Leader for Every Child a has grown. The technological revolution is fascinating journeys others in our class Reader (an ambitious UK government- an obvious development (I remember the of ‘84 had undertaken at our 30 year (!?!) funded, early intervention project that FIRST school computer) and the bilingual reunion. There was reminiscing around targeted the 30,000 students leaving programme has contributed an invaluable enjoyable field weeks, ski days, our brass primary each year with poor literacy skills). dimension to the curriculum helping rubbing trip with Mr Schumann, the bike I also kept cycling! amongst many things to break down club, Students’ United Nations and the the potential “bubble” mentality. unforgettable A Man for All Seasons What or who inspired you to be directed by Mr Heery. Miss Cooper, a teacher? What are the best things about our grade 12 tutor and English teacher A long-standing interest in literacy and your role? painted such a beautiful portrayal of Meg, finding effective ways of supporting in One of the best things about my role Sir Thomas More’s daughter (that I was those with difficulties was an early driver. is seeing students become more so thrilled to play in 1983) and, amongst It was an issue of some prominence autonomous in their learning and hearing others, opened the door to Keats and his in the 1990s with the UN’s decade of later about how well settled they are in “budding morrow in midnight”. initiatives to eradicate illiteracy by 2000. secondary. At the heart of this is being part of such dedicated teams of colleagues (the Are you ever, as a teacher, reminded Learning Support team, ESP, the teaching of your former life at school? teams and Student Support Group) There was a reassuring link with the past who, working closely with parents, are until recently when Mr Wingate the last so committed to supporting our diverse teacher who taught me (history, which I student population towards achieving their went on to study!) retired. However, current potential. With the opening of a new ESP staff, once students during my “era”, are in the Secondary School in September, ever present (such as Linda Hull (now one cannot but reflect upon how ESP Flesher) from Bellevue, now in La Chât and in the Primary School these last 5 years Amanda Waxman (now Weber) part of the has contributed to shifting mindsets and class of ‘84, now in Pregny LS!). practices towards still greater inclusion. If inclusive societies do indeed begin in What are the main differences about schools, how privileged to be, in some Ecolint compared to when you were small way, part of a community working Rebecca Tyrrell in 1983 at school? What remains the same? to make this a reality.

12 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 THE RETURNEES

Bijan MOGHBEL (LGB ‘03) > Art Teacher > Middle School, La Grande Boissière

When did you start teaching at Ecolint, and on which campus? I started teaching at LGB as a replacement teacher in 2013. The following year I joined the Middle School’s Extended Support Programme team and this year I was hired as an Art Teacher in the Middle School.

When were you a student and at which campus? If my memory serves me right, I arrived in second grade at LGB in 1992, from l’Ecole du Pré-du-Camp, in Plan-les-Ouates. I started in the French Section and then moved to the English side. I graduated in 2003. working as a replacement teacher in the The cafeteria used to be in what is now Swiss public system. This is what really the Pavillon des Langues. I think the I am one of those products of Ecolint who sparked my interest to pursue a career in new cafeteria was completed the year speaks franglais with no particular accent teaching. Coming back to Ecolint was never before I graduated. The food is a lot or with a mix of different ones. My mother something I had envisaged until that point. better now than it was before… trust taught in Les Marronniers for 27 years and Other than my mother, who also taught at me! The synthetic football pitch used I even used to live in La Grande Villa. My Ecolint, my Year 5 teacher, Mr. Barakat, was to be an uneven, waterlogged field; fiancée also went to LGB! It’s no wonder a big influence for me and still impacts my the legend even says that it was once that I find myself here once again, even approach to teaching today. a lake. The Centre des arts didn’t exist though I promised myself never to return and the Art department consisted of after doing the IB. Are you ever, as a teacher, reminded of wooden “temporary” structures that your former life at school? were probably there for 20 years before What did you do after leaving Ecolint? Always! I think this is why I am able to I even set foot there. On a whole, the After graduating from Ecolint, I moved relate so well to the students here at LGB. campus wasn’t as fenced off as it is to Scotland and attended University in I really try hard to think back to my days at now. Probably the biggest change has Dundee, where I got a Bachelor’s degree school and put myself in the shoes of the been the advancement in technology: in Fine Arts. I then undertook a Master’s students. touch screens, interactive smartboards, degree in Forensic Arts, a relatively computers in every classes, iPads, new and upcoming field marrying What are the main differences about swiping badges… Yet, I think that the spirit Anthropology, Anatomy, Forensic Sciences Ecolint compared to when you were at of Ecolint has remained the same. and the Arts. Forensic Artists aid in the school? What has stayed the same? identification or location of victims of A lot has changed since I was a student. What are the best things about being crime, missing persons or human remains The campus has changed quite a bit. a teacher? through the application of evidence-based I find teaching immensely rewarding. You scientific research and arts. I specialised in get to watch students grow and you see Cranio-facial Forensic Reconstruction – the them gain new insights and interests. process of reconstructing the face of an You see them develop as individuals and individual from skeletal remains. you get to make an impact on their lives, however big or small. As teachers, we have What or who inspired you to be a the privilege and the duty to transmit our teacher? How/why did you come back passion and our knowledge. Being a teacher to Ecolint? also means that you learn from students. I never set out to become a teacher. My You have to be creative enough to adapt first encounter with teaching happened the way you teach each individual, as we in my final year of the Bachelor’s degree, all learn differently. I really enjoy working during which I volunteered to teach with children and I always look forward to foundation year students Mould-Making going to work, every day is different and you and Casting courses in the sculpture always learn something new. department. Upon my arrival back in Geneva, and having thoroughly enjoyed th the experience of teaching, I started Bijan in 6 grade, in 1996

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 13 HUMANS OF ECOLINT

IN THIS ISSUE, WE MEET SOME OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT ONLY KEY TO THE SMOOTH-RUNNING OF OUR CAMPUSES, BUT ALSO FIGURE AS PILLARS IN OUR RICH AND DIVERSE ECOLINT COMMUNITY.

Manuel ARIAS Bruno CHABALET Odile SERRANO Giuseppe Responsable du Employé d’Entretien, Responsable Novae, BENEVENTO Service Technique, La Châtaigneraie Ecole primaire, Responsable du Service La Châtaigneraie Années à l’Ecolint : 30 ans La Châtaigneraie Technique, Campus des Années à l’Ecolint : 34 ans Années à l’Ecolint : 23 ans Nations (site de Saconnex) En tant que technicien de main- Années à l’Ecolint : 13 Responsable technique sur le tenance à La Châtaigneraie, campus de La Châtaigneraie, je m’occupe de la préparation Ce sont mes derniers mois à je gère une équipe d’une d’événements, de l’entretien l’Ecolint car je pars à la retraite trentaine de personnes. Je du campus, de la rénovation fin juin. Je travaille au Campus m’occupe de coordonner (en été) et des livraisons de des Nations (bâtiment de le personnel technique et matériel. Pour moi, le contact Saconnex) depuis qu’il est l’équipe de nettoyage pour avec les élèves est important, sorti de terre en 2005. J’y ai les tâches quotidiennes, mais voilà pourquoi je fais également supervisé l’installation électrique aussi lors d’événements de la surveillance à midi. alors que j’étais employé par comme des spectacles ou la une entreprise d’électricité, et Kermesse. Difficile de ne pas adorer les j’ai finalement été embauché. sports d’hiver dans la région ! J’arrive au campus à 5h30 pour Je démarre ma journée à 7h et Ma passion : les promenades Personnellement, j’adore le ski commencer ma journée à 6h: je gère le trafic dès 7h45. Après en montagne, ici mais aussi en alpin que je pratique aussi sou- mise en place du petit déjeuner, le briefing quotidien avec mon Espagne où je retourne chaque vent que possible. J’aimerais préparation des desserts et des équipe, les interventions et année. J’aime l’aventure et la bien pouvoir visiter l’Autriche salades, démontage et remon- les rendez-vous se succèdent découverte – partir dans une pour y skier car c’est vraiment tage des différents services. jusqu’à 17h. Les temps morts direction sans savoir où l’on va, l’endroit idéal pour ce sport. En Je m’assure que chaque repas sont rares ! Originaire du sud partir vers l’inconnu. été, je me suis récemment mis (récréation, midi et goûter) se dé- de l’Italie, j’étais venu trois au wakeboard. roule bien. Avant la construction semaines en vacances après Le moment qui m’a le plus de la nouvelle école primaire, mes études en électronique et touché à l’Ecolint s’est j’étais basée dans l’ancienne je ne suis plus jamais reparti ! produit quand mon chien cantine, mais j’aime bien le J’ai eu la chance de travailler, Xestal (prononcé Chéstal) contact avec les plus petits ; ça a entre autres, pour le CERN avant est décédé. J’ai reçu un été un plaisir de pouvoir travailler d’entrer à l’Ecolint. Durant mon message de condoléances à leurs côtés quotidiennement. temps libre, je fais du vélo et très émouvant du Directeur Ce que j’apprécie tout particuliè- je suis batteur dans un groupe général George Walker, et rement c’est de recevoir la visite de rock. Je vais évidemment Beatrice Hoesli, qui s’occupait des enfants ESP en cuisine, poursuivre ces activités à ma de la création du Yearbook, de les voir prendre confiance retraite. J’aimerais aussi suivre a consacré toute une page au fil du temps et de montrer des cours de massage et de de dédicace à Xestal. l’exemple aux autres. cuisine française – je ne sais faire J’habite dans la tour de La que des plats italiens ! J’ai eu Châtaigneraie depuis 34 ans, Le jour qui m’a le plus marqué J’aime beaucoup la marche beaucoup de plaisir à travailler l’Ecolint c’est ma vie. à l’Ecolint c’est lorsqu’il y a eu la en campagne, surtout dans la ici, avec une équipe très soudée. tempête de grêle en juin 2013. région où je peux profiter de Je me souviendrai avec émotion Arbres couchés, toits et vitres faire la cueillette des champi- de la belle fête que l’école a endommagés, de la boue par- gnons. Mon pêché mignon : organisée pour mes 60 ans. tout, on aurait cru à l’Apocalypse ! les morilles ! On a dû fermer l’école le temps d’une journée pour sécuriser les Mon plus beau souvenir de toits et certaines réparations sont l’Ecolint c’est la fête d’anniver- toujours en cours aujourd’hui. saire des 60 ans de Maurice Après 30 ans passés ici, ça m’a Pralon (dont beaucoup fait mal au cœur de voir une telle d’anciens se souviendront destruction. Heureusement qu’on sûrement). On avait placardé a pu remettre les choses en ordre des affiches sur tout le campus avec l’équipe! – toute l’école l’avait fêté.

14 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 Denis CAPOLINO Tony LENNARD Muharem JASHARI Responsable du Service Aide-concierge, Responsable Technique, La Grande Boissière du Service Technique, La Grande Boissière Années à l’Ecolint: 15 Campus des Nations HUMANS OF ECOLINT Années à l’Ecolint: 14 (site de Pregny) Années à l’Ecolint : 12 Je gère une équipe de 6 techniciens. Dès 7h, je Ma journée commence à 6h. prépare le travail de l’équipe Je m’assure que le campus selon les demandes de est impeccable pour l’arrivée travaux. Je suis responsable des élèves dès 7h45. Je Momar N’DOYE des clés et de la logistique gère la circulation et aide Coordinateur du service des diverses manifestations, les enfants à rejoindre leur la plus grande étant la classe depuis le parking. de la poste Kermesse. Je fais le lien J’enchaîne ensuite les rendez- Années à l’Ecolint: 19 avec les entreprises externes vous, les interventions, et gère la maintenance des les réparations… les petits Je suis responsable du bâtiments. enfants cassent beaucoup ! courrier pour les trois My day starts early at LGB A 14h45, je retourne sur le campus, et aussi responsable J’ai énormément de plaisir with opening the campus. I'm parking pour les départs et logistique des Camps Ecolint. à travailler à l’Ecolint, dans responsible for the recycling, je termine ma journée vers Je passe le matin à la poste un cadre exceptionnel, I look after the lockers in the 16h. Je n’ai jamais le temps pour chercher le courrier de entouré de mes supérieurs Secondary School, the lost-and- de m’ennuyer ! J’adore mon la Fondation. J’arrive ensuite qui m’accordent une réelle found, and I cater to any day-to- travail, l’environnement et à LGB où je trie le courrier, confiance. day needs that come up. l’ambiance de cette école. vérifie les commandes de Avant, j’étais enseignant stock et les colis déposés. When I'm not at school, I'm de biochimie au Kosovo, où Je distribue le courrier et either out boating on the j’ai exercé pendant 4 ans. récupère celui qui part dans lake, finishing up a bricolage Je suis venu à Genève en les autres campus et à project at home, or preparing 1992, à cause de la guerre. l’externe. Puis je prends la for our next exhibition of J’ai travaillé 12 ans dans une route pour le Campus des Aboriginal art. I’m a graphic boulangerie, mais j’ai dû Nations, Pregny et enfin designer by profession, arrêter car j’étais allergique à La Châtaigneraie, avant de and worked many years in la farine ! déposer à la Poste le courrier Australia's Northern Territory externe rassemblé au cours with Aboriginal people de la journée. promoting indigenous art and working towards greater Deux passions m’animent: striving of their culture and le sport et les voyages. Je J’aime bricoler et je passe tribal homelands. When I suis président du Club UGS beaucoup de mon temps followed my Swiss wife Basketball, dans lequel libre à faire toutes sortes de back to Switzerland, both j'entraîne l’équipe féminine travaux dans ma maison. of us wanted to continue U-15, et je suis membre J’ai été pendant une dizaine promoting Aboriginal art here. du comité directeur de d’années entraîneur de foot We've organised several l’Association cantonale et depuis quatre ans, je exhibitions locally and an genevoise de basketball, prends des cours de piano. important part of presenting où je suis responsable du La musique me procure une these amazing artworks is mouvement senior. En plus de sensation d'apaisement et de the documentation of the mon activité sportive, j’organise bien être. stories as told by the artists des voyages dans mon village themselves. This is known as En dehors, je fais beaucoup au Sénégal, et je collecte du Un jour marquant à l’Ecolint? “the dreamtime.” de sport : course, fitness, matériel informatique pour Le jour de l’alerte à la bombe. football, ping-pong. les écoles là-bas. Un matin de 2016, Anna de la I look forward to exhibiting Régulièrement, je cours avec réception me dit, paniquée, next year at the Centre des mes collègues du Service Ce que j’apprécie qu’elle vient de recevoir un arts and to share my passion technique. Je n’ai pas de particulièrement à appel lui signalant la présence for Aboriginal art with the souvenir marquant : chaque l’Ecolint, c’est la vision de d’une bombe dans l’une Ecolint community, with jour est un plaisir ! Par contre, l’internationalisme qu’ont eu des toilettes de l’école. the aim of complementing je vis chaque changement ses fondateurs. A chaque La police est arrivée, nous the multi-cultural side of de directeur comme un petit “Graduation”, je suis avons évacué les bâtiments the school, where parents, bouleversement : Lisa Belfry, inspiré par ce que je vois: et les démineurs ont ratissé students, and teachers Becci Lee, Nicholas Tate, plus de cent nationalités toutes les toilettes. J’ai dû from different backgrounds Vicky Tuck… Mais on arrive représentées, qui arrivent faire le lien entre la police, les are figuring out how to live toujours à s’adapter ! à s’entendre et travailler démineurs, l’administration harmoniously in one place and ensemble. Chacun doit tout de l’école, les élèves et one country. mettre en oeuvre pour que professeurs. C’est un jour cet héritage et ces valeurs dont je me souviendrai continuent. longtemps.

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 15 DOCTOR’S ORDERS

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ON ALUMNI IN CAREER AREAS WITH THREE ALUMNI WHO HAVE BECOME DOCTORS. DEBORAH LEHMANN SPENT 17 YEARS RESEARCHING PNEUMONIA IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA, FINN MAHLER CO-FOUNDED THE SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT AT HOPITAL DE LA TOUR, AND SHELAGH MACLEOD BECAME A GENERAL SURGEON AFTER A CAREER IN THE ARMY.

Deborah LEHMANN

I attended Ecolint from 1958 to 1965. a Masters in Community Health in My advice to young aspiring doctors at Developing Countries in London, I spent Ecolint? My interest in science and health was 17 years in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) There are many different opportunities highly influenced by Reginald Unitt highlands as an epidemiologist at the PNG for doctors around the world. While many who taught Biology and Eric Anthony Institute of Medical Research, managing think only of the clinical work in hospitals who taught Chemistry. Without them the Pneumonia Research Programme. or in general practice, there are many I would not have ended up in medicine. In 1998 I moved to the Telethon Kids other exciting opportunities: international Institute in Perth, Western Australia, health, working for non-governmental After graduating from Ecolint, I first where I have conducted research on organizations, relief work, research. completed a Diploma in Harpsichord pneumonia and otitis media (middle ear Seeking to prevent disease (in the very at the Conservatoire de Genève and infections) in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal broadest sense) can, for some, be more won a Swiss national harpsichord children while continuing research in satisfying than treating illness. One can competition. I then studied medicine at PNG. I am committed to training the even choose a combination of the two. the University of London. I had several next generation of Papua New Guinean, hospital appointments, completed part I Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers. The greatest influence Ecolint had on of the Membership of Royal College of In 2012 I was made an Officer of the me was learning that colour and creed Physicians exam but, still uncertain of my Order of Australia for distinguished do not matter. I believe we were totally career path, returned to Geneva where service to medical research. unaware of any racism or prejudice. We I was awarded the “Prix Virtuosité avec came from all over the world and we Distinction” for harpsichord. I then trained learnt about different cultures. This has in general practice in London and went been carried through to my whole life and to Nepal, where I spent 3 years working influenced my desire to improve the lives in tuberculosis control. After completing of less privileged people than ourselves.

Rylee Francis inspects Deborah Lehmann’s ear

Deborah Lehman

16 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Finn MAHLER Shelagh MACLEOD

I attended Ecolint from 1965 to 1977, arriving in 2nd I started in Grade 1 at the Lycée des Nations, and graduated in grade and graduating in year 13 with the IB Diploma. the summer of 1982. I completed my entire 13 years of schooling at I followed in the footsteps of my brother Per Bo – also a the Bellevue school and subsequently the La Châtaigneraie campus. medical doctor – who graduated in 1975 and as of today has an office next to mine in the Swiss Olympic Medical At school I enjoyed science, particularly Chemistry, but also Centre at Hôpital de la Tour, Geneva. enjoyed the Humanities. I was interested in human rights and politics, participating in the Students’ United Nations and fundraising for disabled My interest and passion for health were cultivated children. at home, the skills to practice in the field were nurtured at Ecolint. Having remarkable and devoted On graduation from La Châtaigneraie, I went to the UK and studied medical doctors as parents undeniably influenced my politics at Exeter University. I then did some research work in weapons professional cursus. Medicine is of course about science, and technological development and their role in terrorism, which led me diagnosis and treatment, but ever more importantly it is to join the British Army in 1986. I did my training at Sandhurst and then about getting a message across to your patient. What become a Royal Corps of Signals Officer. With the Signals I deployed to to say, when to say it and how to say it remains the various countries, including working with the United Nations Protection absolute cornerstone of all medical practitioners. Ecolint Force in former Yugoslavia, which made me discover Médecins Sans was all about that – learning to get a message across Frontières. I also met a GP from London whose skills were used to help with simplicity, confidence and a touch of humour when children in the jungle of Borneo. All these combined to inspire me to appropriate! consider medicine as a career at a time when I was getting increasingly frustrated with the power politics of the international scene and felt After Ecolint, I studied Medicine at the University I wanted to make more of a difference at grassroots level. I wrote of Geneva and then went on to specialise in Sports to most of the British medical schools with my CV, asking if I would Medicine, completing a postgraduate degree in be considered as a mature student to study medicine. Most rejected London. Sports has always been a guiding thread me, but some encouraged me to apply and offered me interviews, throughout my life, given the incredible environnement recognising the value of my IB Chemistry and Maths qualifications. I was exposed to at Ecolint – outdoor PE in the snow and rain before the gymnasium was built, being part of I left the Army and studied Medicine at Southampton University from a triumphant ski team (7 national team members) and 1995-2000. I then proceeded to undertake my surgical training and took Rylee Francis inspects exhilarating football games against the teachers during up a consultant surgeon post in 2011. I am now a general surgeon with a Deborah Lehmann’s ear lunch breaks! Having been educated in a stimulating specialist interest in colorectal surgery and general surgery of childhood. international environment inspired me to travel the world to seek further education, ending up in Australia My advice to students who dream of becoming doctors is to be in 1991. Back in Geneva, I co-founded the Sports persistent and not to let obstacles become insurmountable. Medicine Medicine Department at Hôpital de La Tour with my is a rewarding career. It takes hard work and dedication, especially once brother. In 2013, we had the great honour to become qualified, but it is worth it as you can make an incredible difference. If a Swiss Olympic Medical Centre, where I am currently you are keen to do medicine, remember there are a huge range of ways the medical director. doctors can specialise: hospitals, general practice, public health, etc. Get exposure to these to see what you are interested in. My paramount advice to aspiring medical doctors is to draw inspiration from the unique humanistic My time at Ecolint enabled me to develop an enquiring mind and environment that Ecolint exposes you to. There is no an appreciation for accurate, up-to-date information. Being part of greater satisfaction and privilege in life than helping people, the international community helped me not only with my work as a especially when it comes to health – a fundamental doctor, but also with the UN Peacekeeping Force. Understanding the right of every human being without distinction of race, importance of equality and diversity in the world has helped me to be religion, economic or social condition. vocal, albeit on a local level, for the rights of patients, refugees and asylum seekers.

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 17 THE ECOLINT SPIRIT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

THE NOTION OF SCHOLARSHIPS – ENABLING STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO BENEFIT FROM AN EXPENSIVE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION IN GENEVA, REGARDLESS OF THEIR PARENTS’ INCOME – HAS DEEP ROOTS IN ECOLINT. ALEJANDRO RODRIGUEZ-GIOVO AND THAIS RUEGG UNEARTH THE STORIES OF TWO SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: VICKY STEREVA AND BETI RUCAMUVYUMA.

Already in 1929 – the same year that our but also personal character (which school moved into its La Grande Boissière remains a crucial criterion in our school). campus – an American philanthropist, The first batch of scholarships in 1929 Mrs. N. L. Forstall from Chicago, was awarded to candidates from the offered to finance no fewer than fifteen United States, Sweden, Germany, Italy, scholarships to the tune of Fr. 1,000 each Lithuania, Czechoslovakia, Greece, (obviously a vastly greater sum back then Albania, Romania, Russia and Bulgaria. than it is today), renewable for at least four years. Sadly, the Wall Street stock Vicky Stereva market crash that same year wiped out The latter nationality was represented much of the Forstall fortune, endangering by the 12 year-old Victoria (better known the scholarship project. Typically, it as Vicky) Stereva, who remained in was the unfailingly resourceful Arthur the school as a boarder (indeed, all the Sweetser (one of Ecolint’s founders) who scholarship beneficiaries were boarders) scrambled to the rescue and obtained until her graduation in 1936. To Vicky from the Rockefeller family (who played we owe the most vivid and evocative a generous role in sustaining our school component of Ecolint’s historical Beti Rucamuvyuma during the early, fragile years of its archives, known as the “Collection existence) a donation that covered the Stereva.” Such was her loyalty, love shortfall in funding. and gratitude towards her alma mater there during his last year of school. He that over the years she gleaned and was presented to Ecolint via a group preserved every conceivable document of missionary nuns from Belgium and and photograph connected with the the Geneva authorities, who couldn’t school that she could get her hands on. accommodate him in the Swiss school Eventually Vicky donated her invaluable system. “It was immediately apparent collection to the school. Even more that he was an exceptional person: calm, generously, she set up in her will the thoughtful, hard-working, mature, and he Fondation Stereva, which not only had an intelligence that made him stand funded the salary of a part-time Archivist out from the crowd,” remembers Luc for Ecolint but also the professional Hamzavi, History teacher and Guidance classification of all the school’s historical counsellor at LGB. The Director General documents – a vast, painstaking at the time, George Walker, worked to enterprise. In addition, Vicky’s legacy waive his fees and allow him to follow financed the purpose-made installations the 2-year bilingual IB programme at of the present archives office and the LGB on a full scholarship. Beti made the archives’ presentation room (which Honour Roll the year of his graduation, appropriately has been named after her). having greatly impressed both his fellow- students and his teachers. George Walker Beti Rucamuvyuma writes: “I shall never forget the standing Ecolint’s history has been graced ovation that his peers gave Beti in the with other moments of successful Greek Theatre when he graduated. It was scholarships, where students in need one of the most memorable events of my Vicky Stereva were met with a great deal of generosity period as DG.” Beti went on to receive a from the Ecolint community. One case full scholarship to Ivy-League Dartmouth that stands out in Ecolint’s collective College in New Hampshire, and now lives Applications for these scholarships, memory is that of Beti Rucamuvyuma, in Australia with his wife and daughter. intended for 12-14 year olds, were a young refugee from Burundi in the assessed not merely on academic merit mid-1990s, who had to flee the atrocities

18 N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 THE ECOLINT SPIRIT THE HALCYON DAYS OF SCHOLARSHIPS OF WALKER AND TATE PART ONE: GEORGE WALKER

ALTHOUGH GRASS-ROOTS INITIATIVES ARE NO DOUBT THE HALLMARK OF ECOLINT, THE SCHOOL ALSO OWES MUCH TO THOSE WHO, WHILE THEY WERE AT THE HELM OF OUR INSTITUTION, PLAYED AN INSPIRATIONAL ROLE AND FOSTERED A PRODUCTIVE, CONSULTATIVE INTELLECTUAL CLIMATE THAT BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN THEIR COLLEAGUES. ALEJANDRO RODRÍGUEZ-GIOVO DELVES INTO THE STORIES OF FORMER DIRECTORS GENERAL GEORGE WALKER AND NICK TATE.

Those with classical leanings sometimes Walker also took a long, hard look at that Ecolint had a moral duty to raise its equate former Directors General George Ecolint’s flagship extra-curricular activity, voice against war and injustice, even if Walker and Nick Tate with the Roman the Students’ United Nations, founded in some feathers were ruffled. He shared her emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus 1953 by Robert J. Leach. Over the years we fervent vision of the school’s heritage and Aurelius, who nurtured – in the words of the had generously shared the organization of mission, healthily coupled with sincere great historian Edward Gibbon – “the period SUN with other schools, but its quality had considerateness towards all those around in the history of the world during which the declined. Walker decided to re-launch it in him and receptiveness to alternative condition of the human race was most happy 1993, under the name of “Students’ League viewpoints. His tall, spare figure striding and prosperous.” Walker and Tate had a of Nations”, and secured its reinstatement purposefully from one venue to another, similarly benign influence – albeit on Ecolint’s within the UN’s Geneva headquarters (from but always pausing to engage students more modest scale – during the late XXth which SUN had been excluded in 1974), and colleagues with a kind word or an and early XXIst Centuries. Their respective where it has since flourished. erudite comment, soon became a welcome educational visions, subtly different yet sight. Professional successes or personal complementary, and equally rich, coherent woes were unfailingly acknowledged and stimulating, call to mind another historical by Walker with thoughtful, hand-written analogy: it could be said that Walker was congratulations or condolences. animated by the idealism and passion of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, while Tate More unexpected, perhaps, was Walker’s espoused the reasonableness and wisdom distinction as a classical pianist. In a notably of Edmund Burke. Even more important successful partnership with Ecolint’s than their outstanding intellect, expertise legendary music teacher and Hungarian and lucidity, however, were the kindness, virtuoso György Kukorelly, he performed in compassion and integrity that they brought in concerts in the Conservatoire de Genève equal measure to their demanding role. and even recorded a dazzling CD of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel sonatas. Walker, a scientist with two degrees from Exeter College, Oxford, Honorary Fellow When Walker left Ecolint to become of the University of York and later Professor George Walker Director General of the International of Education at the University of Bath, was Baccalaureate in 1999, it was not only appointed Ecolint’s Director General in 1991. mélomanes who regretted his departure – Rapidly he established a harmonious and Walker also revived the politically engagé with good reason, as it happened. A difficult productive working relationship with staff leadership style of his predecessor Marie- four-year interval lay in store for Ecolint, that led to the drafting and signing of the Thérèse Maurette, who directed the school before it flourished once again under the Convention collective de travail (CCT), unique for two decades (1929-1949), and to whom leadership of Nicholas Tate, to whom Part among Switzerland’s private schools. In the he devoted a captivating and much-admired Two of this article will be dedicated in the purely educational field, he took the bull by biography. Repeatedly he criticized in public next issue of Echo. the horns and integrated the bureaucratically the bombing of Baghdad by coalition forces cumbersome and inescapably divisive during the First Persian Gulf War, which English and French Language Programmes, had endangered students in Baghdad thereby restoring Ecolint’s original, actively International School, an educational partner and intrinsically bilingual vocation. of Ecolint. Like Maurette, Walker believed

Published works by George Walker include: - To Educate the Nations, John Catt Educational Ltd, 2002 - To Educate the Nations 2, Peridott Press, 2004 - Marie-Thérèse Maurette, Pioneer of International Education, Ecolint, 2009 - Glimpses of Utopia, John Catt Educational Ltd, 2013

N°22 | spring / printemps 2018 19 THE BACK BOARD The varied Scenic paths some of ourRoute teachers followed prior to joining Ecolint. Yo u may have missed…

Life at the internat Mary Bachofen-Echt (LGB '57) Edwin VAN GEFFEN Stephanie RATHIER Alex DALE Year 5 Classroom Teacher Biology Teacher, TOK and Language Teacher & Learning sent in pictures and stories to Campus des Nations La Grande Boissière Support, La Châtaigneraie the Alumni Office about her years at the LGB internat in the late 1950s. Read the highlights. What did you do for a living before coming to teach here? > alumni.ecolint.ch/ At age 6 I started practicing I worked in wildlife conservation for I've had quite a chequered career; to internatlife ballroom and Latin dancing several years, with special interests be honest, the last thing I wanted to at a local dance school in the in animal behaviour and wolf biology. do after school was teach! I reckoned Netherlands. I learned many After some field work in the French it was far more inspiring to work as Eco-farming different styles of dance such Alps, analysing wolves' diets and a zookeeper in Berlin; a sort of token worldwide as Tango, Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, reproductive rates, I became Head foreigner and general dogsbody for an Shahnaz Radjy (LGB ‘01) and her Samba, etc. At the age of of the conservation, scientific and Italian trading company in Shanghai; husband left the comfort of their 12, I entered my first dance pedagogical branches of a wolf and a translator and conference inter- NYC lives to travel the world and competition, representing the conservation park. The part I enjoyed preter. But once I got over the initial province of Brabant. I enjoyed most, aside from the eerily musical excitement, I found it quite a lonely job. learn about eco-farming. this so much that I continued wolf howls and the glorious nature I was lucky in that I got a Geneva-based > alumni.ecolint.ch/ competing until I won the Dutch snapshots, was conceiving and job as a staff writer/editor for the ICRC, ecofarming National Championship in The presenting pedagogical materials for which is what I ended up doing for

Hague at an amateur level. At varied audiences. Children came away most of my professional life. that time I was 20 years old and from spotting wolves with stars in Marmite World Tour my passion for dancing has never their eyes. Teaching was always going The annual alumni Escalade stopped. to be a part of my career. Dinners took place all over the world last December. Did you catch the photos? How, if at all, do you bring your former career into the classroom? > alumni.ecolint.ch/ The most important attitudes In a very real sense, bringing a Obviously, it helps to have lived in marmite2017 I teach students is to show respect range of specialist interests into the different places and to have seen things and appreciation for each other. classroom cultivates the creative done in different ways. More specifically, In dancing, this leads to fully freedom we so value as teachers. from interpreting, there is a sense of enjoying yourself while dancing My previous experience provides history and awe - some of our instructors Our weekly alone or with a partner. You quickly me with better ways to help had learnt their trade at the Nuremberg #throwbackthursdays learn that anyone can dance if students understand science as a Trials and had incredible stories to tell; Every Thursday, the Alumni Office they want to. In the classroom, process and enterprise in the real from the Red Cross, it’s awareness of publishes a Facebook #TBT post, it translates into appreciating the world, whether it’s in the lab, in the state of the world; as for transferable evoking memories from all three creativity in my students’ work, academic circles or in the field, skills from the zoo, I’ll let you draw campuses. Are you following because I know that there are and not just as textbook matter. your own conclusions! Much as I enjoy many ways in which students can I hope it also lends substance to my teaching, I don’t regret coming to it late our official Facebook page? express themselves. Gaining this contribution to the hidden curriculum - being older and having done other stuff > www.facebook.com/ kind of confidence is important for by telling stories of passion in work, helps you keep things in perspective. ecolintalumni them, and helps shape what their personal growth and transferable generation will be like. skills, as well as lifelong learning.

Social Media Change of address ? Get in touch ! Ecolint on Facebook facebook.com/ecolint Email: [email protected] Ecolint on LinkedIn sl.ecolint.ch/linkedinpage Telephone: +41 (0)22 787 25 55 Ecolint on Instagram @ecolintgeneva Alumni on Facebook facebook.com/ecolintalumni Web: alumni.ecolint.ch Alumni on LinkedIn sl.ecolint.ch/linkedingroup (Alumni can update their own details on the website.) Alumni on Twitter twitter.com/ecolintalumni Alumni on YouTube sl.ecolint.ch/youtube