La Réunion Visit

On a sunny Wednesday morning, Lancing welcomed 30 students and staff from Bel Air School, La Réunion, after a series of back-and-forth conversations with a number of Lancing students, including myself; and it was une réussite primordiale (a major success).

La Réunion is a small island, an overseas department and region of France in the Indian Ocean (c. 400 miles off the eastern coast of Madagascar), known for its rainforests, spectacular coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Although small, its natural beauty is completely unmatched and the island is home to a diverse population from all over the world; evidently, the island has an identity of its own.

Upon their arrival, the exchange students were able to experience a usual Wednesday Eucharist and had the opportunity to marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the

Chapel. After the Eucharist, they were able to join in a variety of lessons, ranging from Latin to DT (where some souvenirs were made to take back to the island). During the day, they were shown around the College to get a real sense of the spirit of the school and its community. They also joined us for lunch which was pleasant since there was an opportunity to properly catch up and get to know them better.

I found the experience extremely valuable as I was not only able to meet people (from a country I have never visited) but I was also given the chance to practise my French and learn some Réunion Creole, thanks to new friends. I loved the fact that they remembered details from the letters we had written to them beforehand and I was pleased to find out that my attempt at French was kindly commended.

I learnt the island has 23 cities – Bel Air is in Sainte Suzanne – which are all known for different things. For example, SaintDenis (the largest and capital city) is especially known for the Creole mansions that are relics of the island’s colonial heritage. I found this discovery so profound since it showed me the rich history of the island and left me wanting to uncover more!

On behalf of all the Lancing pupils involved in this exchange, I would like to extend our gratitude to the MFL Department for organising such a special day; especially Mrs Fryer for organising the communications between the exchange students and us, prior to their visit.

I know I am right in saying that Lancing College will be visiting La Réunion very soon!

Ayomide Sotande-Peters, Lower Sixth