La Maison school, a place of learning and dreams

In Massongex, La Maison is a unique place that welcomes children from a variety of cultures to receive medical care. As well as providing a space for physical healing, it places a great importance on learning and personal development. The institution houses both a school and a kindergarten, where each child can find an environment suited to his or her age and needs. Today, we are highlighting the school, where young children over the age of 6 benefit from continuing their education while going through a decisive period in their lives.

A school environment adapted to children’s needs

The school at La Maison is designed to meet the specific needs of children in temporary care. Coming from different countries and recovering from serious medical treatment, these young people find a certain normality here through lessons, games and intercultural exchanges. The main aim is to provide them with an educational framework that encourages their development, while acknowledging the difficulties they encounter, both emotional and physical.

During lessons, the educators pay close attention to the children’s state of health, signs of fatigue or any other potentially worrying symptoms. If necessary, they consult with the nursing staff, who may decide to let the child rest under supervision.

‘We have two separate classes for children aged 6 and over: one for children who can read and write and who have already been to school, and another for children at a less advanced level who are learning to read and write’, explains Robin Hofmann, who has been working as an educator at La Maison for 3 years.

‘During the week, we have one hour of lessons in the morning and in the afternoon, each time followed by free time where the children can use the computer, read a book or do drawing, adds Melody Methot, an educator at La Maison for the past 5 years. ‘Our aim is to maintain the skills they have already acquired, but also to teach them new skills. We cover everything from French and maths to geography, history and science, while respecting the children’s culture. For example, we focus on African history.’

Poignant testimonies from children

To highlight the role of the educational sector, we chatted to four young boarders: Julien, Frida, Astou and Inlmath. Their answers show that school and educational support at La Maison offer both personal and social enrichment.

Frida, an energetic 14-year-old, tells us: ‘I like going to school at La Maison. You consolidate what you’ve learnt, acquire new knowledge and have a bit of a laugh too. There’s always a good atmosphere in class.’ Originally from Togo, she talks nostalgically about her home: ‘Where I live, it’s warmer than in Switzerland and there aren’t as many trees. I miss my big brother very much, and my friends too.’ Frida also talks about the activities she enjoys outside school: ‘I like it when we play outside or go for walks with the carers. My favourite thing is knitting. I often make hair scrunchies, which I give to the carers, and I’ve also started knitting a bag.’

When asked what he likes best about La Maison, Julien, a smiling young man from Benin, answers without hesitation: ‘Playing Wii with the others. It’s great fun!’ 11-year-old Julien, with his bright eyes, also talks about his dream: ‘When I grow up, I’d like to be a footballer. I love watching matches and playing football.’

Finally, Astou, an 8-year-old from Mauritania who’s a bit shy, and Inlmath, a 12-year-old from Benin, tell us about their favourite things in class: ‘My favourite thing is doing crafts and colouring in animals’, explains Astou. ‘My favourite subject is maths. I’ve always loved it, especially when it comes to doing sums’, says Inlmath enthusiastically. They are delighted to have found friends here: ‘We sleep in the same room. We like playing with dolls together. And we also talk during nap time.’

When asked what makes them happiest at La Maison, they answer simply: going to school. ‘I like studying and learning new things. When I grow up, I’d like to be a heart doctor and operate on children’, adds Inlmath.

The four children are keen to express their gratitude to the people who make it possible for them to be at La Maison: ‘Thank you for your help.’

Supporting children’s futures

The testimonials from these children demonstrate the positive impact of their stay at Massongex. Not only do they find an optimum environment in which to learn, they also find a real community where they can grow, be supported and dream of a better future.

Education, in particular, is an essential part of life at La Maison. The school helps each child to develop, in addition to the medical care they receive. The educators work together to provide a safe, happy and supportive learning environment. The children of varying ages come from different cultures, religions, they offen speak different languages, although many of them do speak French. ‘What’s important for us is the group dynamic. Respect for each other’s culture and religion, without judgement’, Robin emphasises.

Melody adds that the mix of languages and cultures is enriching for everyone. ‘At La Maison, we celebrate all the festivities, Christian and Muslim, whilst educating them in the meaning of each festivity. For several weeks in advance of Eid and Christmas for example,  we do themed crafts and songs. At school, we talk about the customs of each country. For us, it’s important that all the children feel on an equal footing and that they don’t create differences between themselves and their friends.’

For these children, La Maison is much more than a care centre: it’s a place where hope, education and solidarity come together to build a better future. Thanks to the school, Julien, Frida, Astou, Inlmath and so many other children have the chance to continue their learning, nurture their dreams and flourish, despite the hardships they face.

This promising future would not be possible without the invaluable support of our donors and volunteers, whose generosity truly transforms lives. By supporting La Maison, each person is helping to give these children a chance to care for themselves, to learn and to look to the future with confidence. Together, let’s continue to give them the chance to dream and build their future.

Focus on educational support

Composed of 18 people, including 6 trainees and assistants, the educational team looks after the children from 7am to 9pm, when the night nurses take over. Melody Methot and Robin Hofmann, educators at La Maison, share their valuable experience of caring for children daily.

Providing a stable and caring environment

What strategies do you use to help children integrate and bond with each other despite their linguistic or cultural differences?

Melody: Integration happens very naturally. Children tend to integrate on their own when they arrive at La Maison. Even when they don’t speak the same language, they find ways of communicating, sharing and playing. As educators, we intervene relatively little in the integration process, but of course we provide a caring environment so that the children feel safe and comfortable in their ‘second home’ in Massongex.

Robin: A lot of integration is achieved through play, school and the group activities we organise. Of course, we intervene when a child doesn’t participate, even though there’s often very little we can do or say to get a new child to join the group. Most of the children are aware that they are all there for a medical reason, and that brings them together.

Why is a stable educational environment essential for children in difficult medical situations?

Melody: Generally speaking, every child needs a framework, and even more so when they are far from their family and their country. As an educator, you’re a familiar person to the child, which gives them stability, and you create a bond of trust with them that fosters a sense of security.

Robin: Even though the children have nursing care and medical appointments that vary in regularity, mealtimes, showers and bedtimes are always the same. School hours during the week are the same. In short, even if the daily routine is interrupted,  the weekly schedule remains the same, giving the children a sense of routine and a stable framework.

Supporting emotional development

How do you deal with times when children feel sad or homesick, and how do you help them to overcome these emotions?

Melody: In these cases, we prefer to have a one-to-one discussion with the child. We try to understand with them the reasons for their sadness. We talk to them about positive things, evoking memories of their family. Above all, we remind them that the aim of their stay is to return home once they are healed.

Robin: Yes, we show the child how far he’s already come and try to help him project himself towards the time of his departure. For example, by mentioning that there are still so many days to go before his operation or his return home, that there is still such and such a medical check-up to be done, that we can then prepare his suitcase for the trip. We explain that his luggage will contain toys, books and clothes. This instantly changes the child’s mood.

We also share an affectionate moment when appropriate. The professional relationship with the children is less formal than in other facilities. They are in Switzerland without their parents and often have a great need for tenderness.

What types of activities outside school do you find particularly beneficial for children’s emotional and social development?

Robin: There are the moments spent together at La Maison, such as meals and snacks, the more convivial moments like games, and the quieter moments such as bedtime. There are also outings, such as the walks and visits we make on certain weekends. At school, too, activities sometimes go beyond the strict school framework, such as debates, discussions or preparations for major celebrations. All these activities help children to develop socially and emotionally.

Encouraging personal development

What’s your favourite part of the day when you work with children, and why?

Robin: Personally, I have two favourite times, getting up and going to bed. We’re the first person the children see at 7 o’clock in the morning. To get the day off to a good start, wake-up time is important. So, we take the time to do it gently. In the evening, at bedtime, the children tell us about their day, and we discuss what happened. It’s a time for sharing, and we have a lot of laughs too.

Melody: I agree with Robin. These are special times, in small groups with the children sleeping in the same room. They’re quieter, less hectic times that give us all a chance to breathe after a busy day.

How important is your educational role in the lives of the children in your care?

Robin: As educators, we provide support for this moment in their life path, to ensure their stay at La Maison goes as smoothly as possible. We are familiar points of reference for them. Even if we don’t replace their parents, we are present in their lives for a short period of time and share their difficulties, as well as the small pleasures, of everyday life with them. We listen to them, we advise them, we ensure their well-being, all the while being very versatile. We take on the role of confidant, parent, big brother, sister, teacher, entertainer and care assistant for hygiene and minor injuries.

Melody: Yes, we wear different hats. We provide the children with emotional and social support. We’re a reassuring presence, from morning to night, Monday to Sunday. We share every moment of the day with them: meals, school, games, outings, caring for them. We encourage and motivate them, both at school and on a day-to-day basis, making sure that every child is valued. Every day, we see the fruits of our labour in the smiles and laughter of the children, and in their happiness when they return home healed. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible by supporting La Maison.