These past weeks have been full of meaningful encounters and learning experiences for our Nomadic School of Living Together in the Mediterranean project!
STEP 1: TANGIER
By Manon: Reflections on the final presentation in Tangier
“Our final presentation in Tangier took place at the Kasbah Museum, right in the heart of the medina. The medina, which means ‘old city’ in Arabic, is a place steeped in history—marked by conflicts and conquests, but also by coexistence and shared living. It was the perfect setting to conclude our Nomadic School of Living Together in the Mediterranean program.
This event was an opportunity to showcase all the incredible work carried out by the Companions of the Mediterranean—Rima, Thanae, Mélinda, Soren, and Amine—who engaged with 180 students from Tangier throughout our activities. We unveiled the students’ written pieces, the creative work of the Companions, and screened the behind-the-scenes documentary of the project.
It was a truly special moment of celebration, bringing together everyone involved in the project: the students, their parents, the teams working on the ground, and our partners—all coming together to mark the successful conclusion of this chapter in Tangier.”
Final Presentation of the Project in Tangier,
at the Kasbah Museum
Making of, the Project in Tangier for this First Step of the Nomadic School of Living Together in the Mediterranean:
Here is one of the beautiful works we had the privilege to witness during the Tangier project, written by Kawtar, Wissal, Salma, and Zainab—students from École Hajr al Nhal:
I am the one time will not repeat twice
I am the one mentioned at every street corner
I am the one who broke boundaries
And became renowned across generations
I am the one about whom books were written
I am the one who was a great leader
I am the one as beautiful as a sapphire
With cheeks as red as berries
I am of Tunisian origin
I come from a rare lineage
I am the one who built schools and mosques
I shine brighter than lanterns
I have a refined mind and a pure soul
I am Fatima al-Fihriya
STEP 2: MARSEILLE
By Esra: In Marseille… Training and the Start of Sessions
As the project continues, we carried out the local training phase with a rich agenda, organized in collaboration with our Marseille-based partners. Contributions came from the Marseille History Museum, the Memorial of Deportations, Ancrages, Marseille Capital of the Sea, and Euroméditerranée. This stage, centered around Marseille’s unique history, urban exploration, knowledge-sharing, and collective reflection, strengthened exchanges and laid the groundwork for the Marseille chapter of this Mediterranean project.
The impact of this local training became evident during the urban sessions hosted by Marseille Capital of the Sea, where the Companions guided students in uncovering the traces and stories that surround us all in Marseille.
One of these stories is beautifully captured in a piece written by Lilya, a student from Collège Jean-Claude Izzo. Can you recognize this Mediterranean trace in Marseille?
“Many people prayed within me. Each person, each step taken inside me mattered. I will remember all those voices seeking hope through thousands of whispers.
41 years—41 years for my creation, 41 years for me to come into existence and for my power to shine in the heart of Marseille. 41 years for hundreds of eyes to light up with wonder, just by looking up to admire my beauty.
How many Catholic Christians have I welcomed, for all kinds of reasons? Those who came for baptisms, weddings, or simply those with a keen ear who had heard of me from passionate storytellers. And then there were the curious passersby, their eyes sparkling with awe as they searched for new treasures to behold, their gaze widening in amazement before one of Marseille’s most powerful and beautiful monuments—me.”
STEP 3: BASTIA
Next Island Stop in the Mediterranean: Bastia
We are wrapping up our time in Marseille and getting ready to set sail for Bastia on March 10! This adventure continues with new encounters, organized in collaboration with our local partners: Casa di e Lingue, the Tommaso-Prelà Study and Research Library, and the Bastia Museum.
We will also engage with students from Bastia through immersive workshops exploring the city’s history and the rich diversity of the Mediterranean.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports us in this beautiful journey of knowledge-sharing and intercultural dialogue!
