Former SMC head girl and EGG co-founder Gussie Cohen (pictured above right) has received a scholarship for the prestigious LabCitoyen project.

LabCitoyen is organised by the French Embassy and Institut Francais, it focuses on human rights, the 2018 theme is Education and Human Rights. From July 1st 60 young French speaking young people from five continents will discuss major themes and debate international ideas.

Gussie studied French at school and has continued to study up to 300 level at Auckland University. SMC Head of Languages Stef Hossbach assisted Gussie in preparation for her interview and was stunned by the level of proficiency she has acquired.

The project aims to deal with the following topics:

• Education and development : raising literacy, reducing inequalities, women’s autonomy, and strengthening social cohesion.
• Education and health.
• Human rights education: working for gender equality, against racism, exercising citizenship, children’s rights.
• Education and access to employment: professioal teaching and training, francophonie, adult education.
• Strengthening education systems: public policy and national strategy, innovative education funding.