We are thrilled to announce that IFS has been awarded the Global “Opening to the Host Country” Palm at the Palmes de l’EFE 2026.
Selected from nearly 100 schools worldwide, this award placed under the High Patronage of the President of France recognizes our deep commitment to the Singaporean community.
The Winning Project: “Encounters of the Heart”
Launched in 2023, “Encounters of the Heart: Living Connections in Singapore” is a project driven by our 10th-grade students. Guided by Mandarin teacher Mr. Honda Gan, students visit community centers to engage with local seniors through arts, music, and conversation, bridging cultures and generations.
The initiative is inspired by the profound Chinese cultural tradition of respecting elders. It echoes the guiding principles of “取之社会,用之社会” (giving back to society what you take from it) and “饮水思源” (remembering the source of the water you drink).
“Through this project, students from diverse national and cultural backgrounds in our international school stepped into the Singapore community to meet and learn from elderly residents. In Chinese culture, we often say “敬老尊贤”, reminding us to honour the wisdom and dignity of older generations.” – Mr Honda Gan, Project Lead
Why It Matters: Our Triple Impact
- Educational Impact: Students move beyond textbooks to apply Mandarin language skills in real-world settings, bridging intercultural gaps and building immense confidence.
- Social Impact: Our visits bring vital companionship to local seniors, who even crafted handmade thank-you cards for our students.
- Cultural Impact: Students discover the unique cultural heritage of Singapore, valuing the elderly as vital bearers of history. Looking forward, IFS plans to collect these life stories into a formal publication to preserve these memories for generations to come.
A Word from the Principal
“We are deeply honoured to receive the ‘Opening to the Host Country’ Palm, but the true reward has been watching our students grow through this initiative,” said the Principal at IFS, Mr David Binan. “Welcoming our elderly friends to our campus for last year’s Christmas concert was a highlight for our entire community. Through shared games, heartfelt conversations, and handmade cards, our students have learned that respect and empathy transcend age and background. To see this modest, yet profoundly meaningful project recognised on a global stage validates our mission to nurture compassionate global citizens.”
The Palmes de l’EFE (Enseignement Français à l’Étranger) is a prestigious global awards program designed to celebrate excellence and innovation across the network of over 580 French international schools.
Proposed by Senator Samantha Cazebonne and organized by the ReflexeS platform, the “Palmes” honor the dedicated teachers and students who bring unique projects to life in their local communities.
The 2026 official ceremony took place at the historic Collège de France in Paris on the evening of March 5th. Broadcast live worldwide, the event saw the IFS Principal address an international audience to accept the award, solidifying the school’s position as a leader in cultural integration.
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