Title: Marseille to Open Calandreta School Offering Immersive Provençal Education
Date: June 20, 2023
Marseille, France – In an exciting announcement made during the Fête de la Saint-Eloi, Mayor Benoît Payan revealed plans to open a calandreta school in Marseille at the beginning of the 2024 school year. This unique educational institution aims to provide an immersive and secular learning environment, offering education entirely in maritime Provençal, a regional language.
The decision to establish a calandreta school in Marseille reflects the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting Provençal culture. Christian Bosq, the municipal councilor responsible for Provençal culture, stated that the school will teach both spellings of the language, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for young students.
The calandreta school will initially start with kindergarten classes, including very small section, small section, and middle section. The long-term objective is to expand the school to accommodate four classes, from kindergarten to CM2, with an estimated enrollment of 80 to 100 children.
Jean-Louis Blénet, co-president of the Federacion Calandreta, expressed his enthusiasm for opening the first calandreta establishment in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The specific location for the school is yet to be determined and will be proposed by the town hall.
Calandreta schools are known for their immersive approach to education, emphasizing regional languages, culture, and traditions. By offering an education entirely in maritime Provençal, the Marseille calandreta will provide a unique and enriching experience for students, fostering a deep connection to their linguistic and cultural heritage.
The establishment of a calandreta school in Marseille aligns with the city’s efforts to promote linguistic diversity and preserve regional identities. It is expected to contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of Marseille and provide a valuable educational option for families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling.
As the 2024 school year approaches, Marseille eagerly anticipates the opening of this groundbreaking calandreta school, which will undoubtedly play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Provençal speakers and preserving the rich heritage of the region.
occitan language example
Language and focusing on Provençal culture.
The calandreta school in Marseille will join the growing network of calandretas in France, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. These schools, inspired by the Occitan language immersion model, provide an alternative to mainstream education by offering instruction in regional languages and promoting local cultural heritage.
The decision to establish a calandreta in Marseille is particularly significant given the city’s rich Provençal heritage. Payan emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the Provençal language and culture, stating that the school aims to “ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn and appreciate their linguistic and cultural heritage.”
The school’s curriculum will adhere to the official French education guidelines while integrating Provençal language and culture in all subjects. Students will have the opportunity to learn Provençal from a young age, enabling them to develop a strong command of the language and a deep understanding of its cultural context.
In addition, the calandreta school will emphasize a secular approach to education, providing a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment for children of all backgrounds. It will also foster a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and appreciation for diversity.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm and support from both local residents and educational experts. Many believe that the calandreta school will not only enhance linguistic and cultural diversity but also contribute to the overall educational landscape of Marseille.
The establishment of the calandreta school in Marseille reflects a growing recognition of the importance of regional languages and cultures in France. As the country continues to evolve, initiatives like these play a vital role in preserving linguistic heritage and fostering a sense of pride and identity among future generations.
This is excellent news! Marseille’s initiative to open a Calandreta school dedicated to maritime Provençal education will not only preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage but also provide a unique learning experience for students. It is a commendable effort to celebrate and promote the language, traditions, and skills associated with the sea in this beautiful coastal city.
This is a fantastic initiative, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting the rich maritime Provençal culture in Marseille. Providing a Calandreta School dedicated to maritime education will not only ensure the preservation of the language but also offer unique opportunities for students to connect with their heritage. Bravo, Marseille!