The French Ambassador to the UAE, Michel Miraillet, will take part in the ceremonial laying of the first stone of the Lycee Francais Theodore Monod on this coming Sunday in Saadiyat Island, in the presence of local representatives, as well as the board of directors of French-Lebanese Association for Education and Culture (AFLEC) .

According to a press release issued by the French Embassy, the Lycee Francais Theodore Monod, created by AFLEC and officially recognised by the French Ministry of Education, opened its first site in Abu Dhabi in September 2003 in the Al Bateen district.

Having started as a small establishment which welcomed 60 pupils, it has since expanded to become a well-known school that now educates 1352 students from nursery to secondary school. Three languages and three cultures (French, English, and Arabic), openness to the world, use of new technologies, and pursuit of excellence are the central components which shape the identity of the school.

The French Embassy says that in response to the needs of an ever-expanding French community, it was decided that the opening of a second campus was essential. "These plans were realised when a site on Saadiyat island was acquired on January 24th 2016, thanks to the support of two UAE partners linked to French culture. The choice of Saadiyat Island is particularly significant, given that it is the future museum island and one of the most beautiful sites in Abu Dhabi.

"The expectations towards the French school network are high and the partnership with AFLEC allows to reach them thanks to high quality institutions which offer programmes officially recognised by the Agency for French Teaching Abroad (AEFE) and which are made up of a management team and teaching staff largely based in the French Education system," it said.

"This new branch of the Lycee FrancaisTheodore Monod would not have been possible without the determination of AFLEC and the personal commitment of its directors. The school is also very grateful for the unwavering support of its Emirati investors. This enduring partnership is yet another symbol of the strong relations between France and the UAE," the embassy added.

Source:WAM