The "Fabuleuses traversées" of the final year pupils at Jean Giono primary school

In an effort to find out more about their origins and their present identities, the pupils of a final year class (CM2) at Jean Giono primary school in Lyon put on a show in April 2014, after six months’ preparation in the form of workshops. The show consisted of the projection of pictures and photographs, the reading, recital and singing of texts etc. in what they chose to call “Fabuleuses traversées" (fabulous crossings) – the history of their families and the different stages in their lives. How did this project take form? In Lyon, which is a member of the Intercultural Cities Network, civil society is working very actively to promote "living together" through its associations.

For example, La Maison des Passages is conducting a cultural project based on intercultural activities. In the context of its partnerships, the association supports numerous initiatives aimed at fostering shared knowledge, respect for diversity and democratic values. It also intervenes in schools in the form of workshops that are run in co-operation with the teachers, and in which "otherness" is explored through different types of artistic expression. A project was set up at Jean Giono primary school at the request of the headmaster and teachers, who were having to deal with conflicts between pupils. The idea was to create the conditions for pupils’ "reconciliation" with their own history and with that of those who are different.

Contact details:

Maison des Passages
44 rue Saint Georges
69005 Lyon
+33 (0)4 78 42 19 04
E-mail: maisondespassages@orange.fr