50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Raising the public's awareness to our actions

Half a century of helping disadvantaged children happily celebrated!

Enfants du Monde celebrated its fiftieth anniversary superbly on June 7th, 8th and 9th between the Geneva waterfront and its commune of residence, Grand-Saconnex. The presence of the municipal authorities of the City of Geneva, represented by Esther Alder (Administrative Advisor in charge of the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity) and Grand-Saconnex, represented by Mr. Laurent Jimaja, Mayor, and Mr. Michel Pomatto, President of the Municipal Council, reminded us of their commitment to our NGO. Similarly, one of our ambassadors, cartoonist Patrick Chappatte, emphasised his commitment to our cause, as did Dr. Koumba Boly Barry, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education at the UN, who lauded all the good work of our association. Many of our associative and professional partners also participated in the festivities during these three memorable days, along with all our staff present on site, without whom the party would not have been complete.

1) Opening of the photo exhibition (June 7th at Plantamour Pavillon)

This exhibition, presented in sixty photographs, retraces the key moments of our history and our approaches, and specially sheds light on the diversity of the sites and projects of our organization. After the official speeches, guests were guided by our coordinators who came from the field and presented a picture of their country of work along with a tale that gave even more depth to these superb shots. An emotional moment!

2) Exceptional Concert by the Gangbé Brass Band (June 8th at Parc du Château-Pictet)

As promised, the Beninese fanfare went wild and delivered music with a tropical and festive touch. With the sound of brass and their powerful voices, these true friends charmed and lead the audience in a rhythmic and cheerful dance. Once again, the saying that "music is the most beautiful language in the world" has been confirmed. Thanks to them wholeheartedly for their wonderful performance.

3) Interactive Animation "Little Teachers" (June 9th at Quai du Mont-Blanc)

The icing on the fiftieth anniversary cake could only be an educative and fun activity for Enfants du Monde. Thanks to the contribution of Happy City Lab, the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc was transformed into a global classroom to allow children to surprise us and make us aware of their fantastic educational potential. If there was any doubt, it is now indisputable that they are more than just the future: they are the present. They spread their wings as teachers as they sensitized adults to topics as concrete as feminism, compost, white sharks and aircraft design. A truly popular and pedagogical success, and what's more, very touching.

We would like to thank everyone who has shown their support for our organization, now in the age of wisdom, with their presence, interest and sympathy. It is thanks to you that we find the strength and the means to accomplish our mission on a daily basis.

Photo Credits: Lauren Pasche / EdM