Remember. Honour. Keep the Peace.
On Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the French School of Harare hosted a special Armistice Day commemoration ceremony, bringing together students, school leadership, His Excellency Paul-Bertrand Barets, Ambassador of France to Zimbabwe, alongside other ambassadors and members of the international diplomatic community in Zimbabwe.
The gathering provided an opportunity to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the First World War, reflect on the importance of peace and celebrate the shared values that unite nations and generations.
Remembering History, Promoting Peace
The commemoration began with a welcome address by Mrs Laetitia Cibrario, Headmistress of the French School of Harare, followed by remarks from the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Paul-Bertrand Barets.
The presence of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from different countries added an important international dimension to the occasion, bringing together members of the diplomatic community around a shared commitment to remembrance, peace and international understanding.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War.
The Armistice of 11 November 1918 marked the end of fighting in the First World War. More than a historical milestone, the occasion serves as an enduring reminder of the importance of peace, freedom, solidarity and international cooperation.
At the French School of Harare, commemorating this day is also an opportunity to pass these values on to younger generations.
Students at the Heart of the Commemoration
Student participation was central to the ceremony, reflecting the school’s commitment to learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Two senior students delivered a presentation in both French and English, exploring the historical significance of the 11 November commemoration and its relevance to younger generations.
Students also presented readings inspired by the values of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
A particularly meaningful moment was the bilingual reading of In Flanders Fields, the renowned poem, presented in French and English by two Terminale students.
The ceremony continued with a performance of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, sung by students from CM1 through to Terminale, bringing together different age groups in a shared expression of remembrance and national heritage.
Bringing the Values of Peace and Dialogue into the Classroom
The commemoration also extended beyond the ceremony through a special exhibition created by CM1 and CM2 students.
Their displays explored themes of peace in the world, dialogue and fraternity between peoples, demonstrating how historical remembrance can inspire creativity, reflection and meaningful conversations among young learners.
These activities reflect the importance of encouraging students to understand the world around them, appreciate different perspectives and recognise their role in building a more peaceful future.
A School Connected to the International Community
As a French international school in Zimbabwe, the French School of Harare provides an educational environment where French culture, international perspectives and intercultural exchange are part of everyday school life.
The Armistice Day commemoration was a meaningful illustration of this international outlook. By welcoming the French Ambassador, other ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from different countries, the school provided a space where education, history, diplomacy and cultural exchange came together.
Such occasions offer students valuable opportunities to engage with international institutions and diplomatic representatives, while gaining a deeper appreciation of global affairs, different cultures and the importance of dialogue between nations.
The school’s engagement with the diplomatic community also reflects its place within the wider French international education network and its connections to the cultural and institutional life of France in Zimbabwe.
Through these experiences, the French School of Harare continues to nurture open-minded, engaged and internationally aware young people, preparing them to participate meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
Remember. Honour. Keep the Peace.
The 11 November commemoration was a reminder that remembering the past is not simply about looking back. It is about understanding the present and inspiring future generations to build a world founded on respect, solidarity and peace.
At the French School of Harare, these values remain an important part of the educational journey.
Remembering together, learning from history and building a future of peace.
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