FRG26 MC RESPECT Conviction My school my whales

As part of an Erasmus project focused on the values ​​of Olympism, a group of students participated in a morning workshop organized with the association "Mon école ma baleine" (My School, My Whale). This association works to raise awareness among young people about the preservation of cetaceans and the discovery of the marine world, with a particular emphasis on whales found in the waters of Guadeloupe, La Désirade, and the wider Caribbean. This project is part of an educational and civic initiative that aims to connect sports and the values ​​of Olympism—respect, solidarity, excellence, and responsibility—to current environmental issues, especially the protection of marine biodiversity. Through this experience, the students were encouraged to reflect on their role as citizens in the preservation of the oceans and the species that inhabit them. The morning was structured in three complementary parts. The first part took place in the classroom. The presenters introduced the students to the different whale species that can be observed in the Caribbean region. Using educational materials, the students learned to differentiate between species, understand their migratory behaviors, and identify the challenges related to their protection. This learning session laid a scientific foundation and fostered the participants' curiosity. The second part of the session consisted of an observation outing using binoculars. The students were able to observe the marine environment and learn basic identification techniques. While direct whale watching depends on natural conditions, this activity helped develop attention, patience, and observation skills, while also raising students' awareness of the rich coastal environment of La Désirade. Finally, the third part of the session took the form of educational games. Through fun group activities, the students applied their knowledge about whales, marine ecosystems, and their protection. These games fostered cooperation, communication, and teamwork, while making learning more concrete and engaging. Throughout the morning, the students demonstrated interest, curiosity, and genuine commitment. This experience allowed them to better understand the challenges related to whale conservation and to become aware of the importance of respecting nature. It also reinforced the values ​​of cooperation and responsibility, directly linked to the spirit of the Erasmus project and the values ​​of Olympism. Bilingual intervention (English and French)