monaco – enfantsdazur

Winter Reading Magic The Most Beautiful Books to Share With Children During the Holiday Season

Marie1_1 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:20:00 +0000

« Winter Reading Magic The Most Beautiful Books to Share With Children During the Holiday Season »

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The year end season carries a particular atmosphere. The pace shifts. Mornings stretch a little longer. Afternoons soften. Evenings arrive earlier and invite stillness. Whether families celebrate specific traditions or simply welcome the quieter rhythm of winter, the holiday break offers a rare luxury unhurried time together.

In these slower days, reading becomes something entirely different. Not a routine, not a task but a shared pause. A book opened between two moments. A voice filling the space where the day begins to unwind. Below are some of the most beautiful books to share with children during the winter holidays, stories that invite calm, imagination, humour, wonder and emotional connection, each paired with the moment of the day when it feels most alive.

⁠The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (Ages 3 to 7)

Best Time to Read Twilight just before bed

As the day fades and the house begins to soften into evening calm, The Snowman brings quiet magic in its purest form. Told entirely through illustrations, it follows a young boy whose snowman comes to life for one silent, extraordinary night.

“There were no words. And yet everything was said.”

Children lean closer, drawn into secret flight and impossible friendship. Parents often feel the tenderness of how fleeting childhood truly is. The story moves without sound but leaves deep impressions behind. It is the perfect bridge between movement and sleep.

> Click here <

⁠The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (Ages 4 to 9)

Best Time to Read A cozy evening during the holiday break

As anticipation fills the air and the days begin to glow with late sunsets and quiet lights in windows, The Polar Express invites children into belief. A mysterious train appears in the snow and carries children toward wonder, testing not just courage but faith in the unseen.

“The bell still rings for all who truly believe.”

Children feel chosen and transported. Adults often feel the subtle emotion of watching belief transform rather than disappear. This is a story that belongs to evenings when imagination feels especially close.

> Click here <

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss (Ages 4 to 8)

Best Time to Read Late afternoon after an active winter day

After a day filled with outings, play or family visits, this story lands with perfect timing. The Grinch tries to steal celebration itself, convinced that joy lives only inside decorations and gifts.

“Maybe Christmas does not come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

Children laugh at his mischief. Adults recognise the deeper truth beneath the humour. Without explaining anything, this story quietly recentres the season around people, not things.

> Click here <

⁠Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson (Ages 2 to 5)

Best Time to Read After bath time before sleep

This gentle winter tale follows Bear as he sleeps through winter while his friends prepare a loving surprise. The rhythm of the story mirrors the winding down of small bodies and busy minds.

“So with lights and gifts and tiny lit tree, Bear sleeps on peacefully.”

For young children, this story feels like a slow exhale at the end of the day. It carries comfort, waiting and the quiet joy of togetherness.

> Click here <

⁠A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Ages 8 and above adapted editions)

Best Time to Read Early evening as a family

This timeless story unfolds slowly, with space for reflection. Scrooge’s journey from isolation to generosity opens quiet conversations between generations.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

Children begin to understand the weight of choice and kindness. Adults often find themselves unexpectedly moved by its truth. It is a story for shared silence as much as shared reading.

> Click here <

The Nutcracker by E T A Hoffmann (Ages 6 to 12)

Best Time to Read A quiet winter afternoon

As daylight softens and the outside world grows hushed, The Nutcracker opens a door into fantasy, fear, bravery and transformation. Clara’s journey through dream and danger mirrors the inner world of many growing children.

“One must have courage to dream, and courage to follow the dream.”

Children connect with loyalty, wonder and adventure. Parents see the symbolism of growth, of trusting children as they step into independence. This story often lingers long after the book is closed.

> Click here <

Why Winter Is Such a Natural Season for Stories

During the year, stories often compete with schedules. During the holiday season, they find their place. Winter naturally draws children inward. It quiets the outside world and restores imagination as something unhurried.

Stories at this time of year do not just entertain. They accompany.

When the House Grows Quiet

As the season unfolds, there are moments when the house gently exhales. The laughter softens. The lights dim. Outside, winter settles into its own rhythm. Somewhere between one page and the next, a different kind of holiday atmosphere appears, not the one that sparkles, but the one that lingers.

Books slip naturally into those spaces. They do not demand attention. They simply accompany the quieter hours. A shared story before sleep. A chapter caught between two cups of hot chocolate. A familiar voice reading words that slowly become part of the season itself.

Long after the decorations are packed away, it is often these unnoticed moments that return first.

Author’s Note

This selection was shaped with the winter season in mind, a time that carries both movement and stillness, excitement and retreat. Each story chosen here brings its own pace, its own emotional temperature, its own invitation into imagination.

At Enfant d’Azur, we are constantly inspired by the natural rhythms of family life, the mornings that begin in a rush, the afternoons that drift, the evenings that soften into calm. These books belong to those in between spaces, where stories quietly settle into memory without ever announcing themselves.

With warmth,
Enfants d’Azur

Boarding Schools Show 2023 | MONACO

Indie Vanaquer — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 12:16:00 +0000

Boarding Schools Show 2023 | MONACO

By Enfants d'Azur

The British Boarding Schools Show presents a unique opportunity for parents in Monaco and the surrounding area to meet the Heads and Admissions Directors of Britain’s most prestigious boarding schools.

Hear from the experts and get the latest strategy and thinking behind the big decisions. A detailed introduction to sending your child to a boarding school at 11/13+ and 16+.

Top UK schools, along with education, property, and relocation experts, will be exhibiting. This provides parents with the opportunity to meticulously plan every aspect of their child’s entry into the world’s most prestigious schools.

Worldwide interest in British boarding schools continues to grow. There are currently 69,979 boarders in UK schools; 41% are from overseas families. The benefits of boarding at a leading British school are undisputed and importantly recognised by both university admissions teams and employers.

For the Monaco market, we have carefully refined the list of attending schools to ensure parents are put in front of the very best of British private education. The alumni these schools produce include business leaders, politicians, academics and athletes. These schools produce high-achieving, well-informed and confident alumni, who make excellent candidates for top UK and US universities.

Supporting the showcased schools will be renowned educational consultants, available throughout the show to provide advice and guidance on securing the best education for your child. Heading this initiative is William Petty, Director at Bonas MacFarlane, London’s foremost educational consultancy. William has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Economist, and Tatler, and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

The Independent Schools Show, which originated in London 15 years ago, has expanded to encompass 12 key markets overseas.

Date: 30 November 2023, 0930hrs – 1430hrs

Venue: Fairmont Monte Carlo, 12 Av. des Spélugues, Monte-Carlo, MC 98000

Learn more & register: https://schoolsshow.co.uk/event/monaco

The British Boarding Schools Show returns to Monaco, connecting parents with the UK’s leading boarding schools.

Tickets are free of charge with online pre-registration.

Talks for Visitors:

09:30 - 10:00 | Keynote

11+/13+/16+ How to apply and when is the right time to move

In just 30 minutes get a complete overview of the British Education System.

11:00 - 11:30 | Keynote

Cracking the UK English and Maths Curricula

Main Concerns for Geneva Parents including admissions and test overview

(ISEB/ Consortium).

Hear from the experts and get the latest strategy and thinking behind the big decisions. A

detailed introduction to sending your child to a boarding school at 11/13+ and 16+

Learn more: https://schoolsshow.co.uk/event/monaco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishboardingschoolsshow

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/british-boarding-schools-show

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ShowBritish

Instagram: www.instagram.com/britishboardingschoolsshow

Author: Enfants d'Azur

What Makes the Monaco Grand Prix so Special?

hgrattan — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:31:55 +0000

What Makes the Monaco Grand Prix So Special?

By Enfants d'Azur

Formula 1 has been visiting the Principality since 1929and today Monaco is considered the crown jewel of the Grand Prix circuit, it is after all considered one part of the motor racing triple crown alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500, and only one driver, Graham Hill, has ever achieved it. The tight twisting circuit is overlooked by the grandstands and the roar of the engines reverberates through streets you can drive around for the rest of the year.

The first thing that makes the grand prix so special is the setting. Monaco has a lustre, the fact of being the most glamourous and exclusive enclave in the world. The streets they race on are not paved with gold but coated in history. The sectors, Tabac, The Swimming Pool Complex and the Tunnel are all so familiar to F1 fans. The good and the great turn out to watch, from the Prince to Tom Brady and Tom Cruise, you’ll spot dozens of famous faces throughout the weekend. The whole event glows with glamour, it’s the event of the year and everyone wants to be there.

There have been some legendary battles between rivals and teammates. Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in identical cars racing so hard that Prost afterwards claimed that there was no gap between Senna’s front wing and the tunnel barrier. Or Alberto Ascari missing his braking point and ending up in the harbour in 1955, before swimming back safely. With racing so tight and limits so close there are often spectacular crashes. The thrill of the danger on such a circuit is always present and the drivers stretch every sinew and muscle to deliver the most incredible spectacle for crowds present and the TV audience of millions.

The Grand Prix is fun for the family. If you get the correct passes, then you can take your kids to see the cars and the drivers such as Worldwide superstar Lewis Hamilton or they can cheer on the Monaco born and bred driver Charles Leclerc. They will see plenty of other stars of music and film. Children under 5 enter for free whilst those under 16 get discounted tickets and free entry on the Thursday. Our advice is to make sure you bring ear defenders for any children as the cars are exceptionally loud and close, simple earplugs may not suffice.

The Monaco Grand Prix is special in every area. Enjoy the whole weekend and surrounding events as it only happens once a year and go grab a ticket quickly for the whole family and see the greatest show on Earth.

Author: Enfants d'Azur

Is Creative Multilingualism The Answer To 21st Century Readiness? Olea Education Says “Oui, 是的”.

hgrattan — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:15:00 +0000

Is Creative Multilingualism The Answer To 21st Century Readiness? Olea Education Says “Oui, 是的”.

By Olivia Halsall, OLEA Education

This is the last of our four articles in Enfants D’Azur, and wow what a year it’s been. Since December 2022, Olea has undergone a 180-degree pivot; we have realigned our values, spoken to hundreds of teachers, students, and parents about their concerns for the future, and thus consolidated our niche skill set and passion into one avenue of direction.

That direction is this: Olea’s mission is to ensure every learner is brought into the 21st century fully multilingual. For learners in Europe (and indeed most non-anglophone countries), multilingualism is the norm, and monolingual nations are an exception. Even though 36% of Brits only speak one language, in London today, as a result of the arrival of migrants and refugees in the second half of the last century, it is estimated that approximately 300 languages are spoken.

But for countries where multilingualism is already the norm, is this really enough? Is it enough to speak three languages fluently, or can we do better?

We think so, yes. Multilingualism is brilliant, however maximising the ability to speak numerous languages isn’t capitalised on enough. Much research has been done on creativity and multilingualism, but it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. Does being creative help you to learn foreign languages, or does learning a foreign language make you more creative?

Either way, what’s important here is the positive correlation between foreign language learning and creativity. Why is creativity so fundamental in order to be 21st century ready?

Because creative individuals are characterised by their ability to think outside the box and come up with novel solutions to complex problems. They have a capacity for original and divergent thinking, which allows them to generate unique and unconventional ideas. They are also able to see connections and relationships between seemingly disparate ideas and concepts, which allows them to synthesise new and innovative solutions. In a rapidly, ever-changing world, creative souls will save us.

When we mix this altogether - creativity, learning foreign languages, and the 21st century - we start to paint a pretty visceral picture of what the future of multilingual education might look like, and it’s exciting stuff. In November, I published an article in EdTech Digest entitled, “Poetry: An Alternative Answer To Onboarding The Next Generation Onto Web3”.

In this I explained, “So what does Web3 have to do with poetry, a form of literature that has historically been wholly humanities-focused? The answer, or rather, the common denominator is this: an upward trajectory, human connectivity and transparency. … The intersection of poetry with natural language processing (a form of artificial intelligence) is a significant area of potential to safely educate the next generation about Web3. There is something so very human about the need for poetry, and we need to preserve our most human instincts as we approach Web3.”

Multilingual poetry, for example, is a highly creative way to engage learners in what the languages of the 21st century might look like. It also so happens to have been the topic of my master’s research at the University of Cambridge. By inspiring learners to express, explore and elicit their multilingual identity through creative outlets (such as poetry), we can empower learners to capitalise upon their multilingualism.

How? Imagina a workshop on personal branding. Imagine daily exercises cementing confidence in who you are and where you are going in life. Imagine a summer school on the importance of storytelling. The list is endless, and we are here to educate and inspire learners around the world to not just speak numerous languages, but to become multilingual, and adopt it as part of their identity.

After all, when we mix creativity, learning foreign languages, and the 21st century altogether in one big pot, the creative potential to inspire the next generation’s creative potential is breathtaking. We won’t stop until every learner is multilingual; that is our promise to the world.

Author: Olea Education is a British EdTech venture on a mission to bring every learner into the 21st century multilingual. Why? Because speaking numerous languages will be necessary to remain competitive in the 21st century landscape. How do we do this? Through creativity! We organise Olea Createathons for schools and corporates, igniting (linguistic) creativity and equipping them with the skills to better problem solve. Our pedagogy is rooted in academic research from the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. We won’t stop until every learner is multilingual; that is our promise to the world. For weekly updates, subscribe to our newsletter.

A Guide For Monaco Parents To Choosing A British School – What’s The Box That You Need To Think Outside Of?

hgrattan — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:46:13 +0000

A Guide For Monaco Parents To Choosing A British School - What’s The Box That You Need To Think Outside Of?

By David Wellesley Wesley

Location

Behind their Victorian Gothic facades, Britain’s boarding schools are blessed with remarkable diversity, a focus on excellence, but also on kindness and humility. These schools are dotted throughout the Kingdom so include schools on your shortlist that are beyond 50 miles of London. They are not at all difficult to reach, particularly through regional airports and trains. A few extra hours of travel to and from school is a price worth paying. Do not see any value whatsoever in being close to London for weekends out from school to be spent in the city. Weekends at school are full of activities; and are when friendships are made.

Most of the great treasures are a little harder to reach but often offer unusual opportunities that the big-name schools near London cannot. Think boarding houses for horses; large tracks of woodland within the school grounds; access to mountain biking at weekends; open sea sailing; small rural towns to visit for local shopping and at weekends. And the further from London one ventures, the fast, materialistic, and not particularly education conducive environment is left behind.

You are not the pupil!

Twenty years plus of talking to parents around the world and watching far wiser educationists than I repeat the same mantra, have confirmed my view that some choices parents make for their children are utterly wrong. You might be paying the bill but you are not the end-user. Question your motives: are you choosing a school for your child without allowing too much of your own desires to impinge? There is no best school; there are only schools that are right for your child. Be invested in the school, of course. Visit your shortlisted schools with your children initially if time permits. You will observe how your child responds to the teachers and environments. Try and see your child’s eyes observing the school; then try to imagine how it looks to them. A feature or person that is reassuring, exciting, and impressive to a child is often missed by parents all together because they are too busy looking for cracks in the paintwork, or marks on the carpet.

Name and Notoriety

Big names in boarding bring big brand vibes and brandish their inestimable history by their mere existence. The United Kingdom boasts around 500 boarding schools. Perhaps no more than a dozen of those are well-known names in the UK and a mere handful of those enjoy global renown. As deserving of their reputations as they may be, their fame mostly originated due to their proximity to London or the Court. Critically, universities will note that your child has been privately educated, but going to one of the more well known schools makes absolutely no difference to an application whatsoever. And are these so-called ‘top’ schools the right ones for your child as an individual learner?

The fact that you haven’t heard of a particular school is no reason at all to doubt its suitability for your child nor the remarkable education and array of opportunities, or glorious campus settings it offers. Be bold in your selection, visit, research, explore, and make up your own minds. Hard as it may be, try and block out ‘the noise’ from other parents around you. I have yet to meet a parent who will openly put you off a school where they have placed their own. Common sense in school selection is perhaps the most profoundly powerful tool at a parent’s disposal. Use it.

The Parental Community

Schools cannot do much more than reflect the values of the parents that send their children to them.

Private tours of schools are not always available at short notice. Please don’t decline an open day, because it may be preferable to a private tour. We all have private thoughts about the individuals and families that we might wish our children to be surrounded and inspired by. An open day or group tour will provide an often disregarded insight into the institution you are considering.

Chat to other hopeful parents, share stories, look for common ground. If you feel you might fit in with them, chances are your children will fit in with theirs and so forth. All of this will promote the likeliness of your entire family getting the most out of your child’s time boarding and at its best create lasting friendships for you all. And use the opportunity of not being so closely watched, to linger at notice boards, look into classrooms, observe the way children are going about their day…

Reality

No boarding school is right for every child and what a dull world it would be; what a dull job I would have to boot. Square pegs, round holes and all that. But what can one expect from a school that is right for your child?

Manage your own expectations first.

Schools do not make less academically-inclined students into vaccine discovering research scientists, no more than they will transform pupils disinterested in sport into Olympians. And no school will supply everything a child needs.

When those needs are great, there may not be a right school until they have been addressed. A troublesome teenager, with no motivation, dire concentration, possibly an addiction to screen-based activity and a lack of basic academic skills is not going to be ‘fixed’ by any school. Children must only go to board when they can be trusted to take value from the school. Parents are surrendering control, after all, to a houseparent who will have another sixtyish boys and probably his own young family to look after. If your child needs close supervision and one to one mentoring to find success, boarding school might need to wait.

At their best, boarding schools draw out the potential from your children, unlocking intrinsic motivation you never knew existed; independence of thought and study; and simply being able to keep their room tidy and their work organised - they learn how to look after themselves. They may flourish in a friendship group that persists for the rest of their lives. They may find a level of academic competition, or high standards in the arts, sports or community work that propels them to new highs. They may find quality of teaching that simply does not exist at their local schools.

Rome was not build in a day - immediate results will be apparent but deep seated behavioural change takes time. Ask not what the school will do for your child, but what your child will do for the school, because schools are limited in what they can achieve without fired up, intrinsic motivation to work with - motivation that has to come from the child. They will still discover the odd hidden talent or two and provide the setting for your children to safely try to acquire new skills. Almost certainly, they will improve resilience, confidence and communication skills. Nevertheless, be realistic in your expectations.

More often than not in a certain subject or activity, your child will fail. Learning the importance of failure and the art of finding success is not a timetabled lesson, but it is a long term cultural imperative that great boarding schools bestow on their residents. These schools celebrate failure - especially if it is amateur or service based - to heroic extremes. Inventiveness is nigh impossible if failure is feared. And, inventiveness has a long history at British boarding schools; most of the great team sports were invented on their fields or against their walls.

‘There are lies, damned lies and statistics’ (Sir Winston Churchill)

League tables and statistics: these are mainly irrelevant and misleading. Education simply cannot be measured in numerical terms. Provided you choose a school where there is at least one top set where all the pupils will secure top grades and head to Oxbridge or a top five university in Britain (or top 20 in the USA), the academic opportunity is there. Being educated only with children who share a standard cognitive profile and are fast readers with relatively high IQs is possibly profoundly ill-advised, being an unsympathetic, regressive way to prepare for an employment environment where visual, possibly dyslexic but fluidly intelligent thinkers are as valuable to a bank as a mathematical mind; and scientists will increasingly cross over to more artistic fields of endeavour. Look instead to the value added measures. A school that is four times as easy to gain admission to than a supposed academic powerhouse, quite often has significantly higher entrance rates to Oxbridge - go figure.

Instead of chasing contrived elitism that has become a danger to itself, try and enjoy the process of visiting some beautiful schools, where you will be revitalised just from being there for a day. Don’t worry about getting in. If it’s not that school that will take your child, there are plenty of others that will, which will also be as impressive and suitable. Stay calm, observe, and do not for a moment worry about entrance tests or admissions criteria. The process can be enjoyable.

Author: David Wellesley Wesley - Founder and Managing Director - Next Step Education Limited incorporating Bonas MacFarlane and the Independent Schools Show.

Six Simple Ideas to Enrich your Teens’ Intelligence and Prepare Them for the 21st Century.

hgrattan — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:09:20 +0000

Six Simple Ideas to Enrich your Teens’ Intelligence and Prepare Them for the 21st Century.

By Olivia at OLEA Education

Modern education isn’t equipping students with the skills they will need to thrive in the 21st century. With Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) more concerned about getting good grades as opposed to drinking or unplanned pregnancies (according to the Economist), an unfortunate combination of a pandemic, excessive screen time and excessive competition is stunting intellectual development. The following ideas seek to enrich your teens’ intelligence, and can be implemented without much effort from parents. They are incremental changes that will encourage teens to feel more confident in themselves as well as curious about the world around them. I would suggest selecting at least one that you could do today, and another to do next week so as to stimulate a positive habit. Let’s dive in!

Intellectual Dinner Chats.

Engaging the entire family in an intellectual discussion can be a riveting experience, if done correctly. It is important to actively listen to what each member of the family has to say, whether they are 5 or 95 years of age. There is never going to be a “correct” answer to these questions, and some are more bonkers than others, but regardless, I can guarantee that they will lead to a more than interesting family dinner.

By ‘intellectual’, I don’t mean “let’s all debunk Einstein’s theorem”. I mean questions that require creative, critical and curious insight. Questions such as 1) What colour is happiness? 2) What country would you like to explore and why? 3) What shape is the sky? 4) Tell us about the last time you thought to yourself “Wow, what was that?” 5) If the family pet could speak, what would it say to us all right now?

2. Encourage Reading Beyond the Curriculum.

At the age of 16, I picked up Economics. I adored the subject, and found that I was finally learning something that would be of tangible use for when I entered the real world. Noticing this, my teacher encouraged me to subscribe to the Economist, which at the time had a brilliant offer of 12 magazines over 12 months for just 12 GBP. Nevertheless, it took me a while to enjoy the articles; initially, the economic jargon prevented me from grabbing the full body of a story and I felt frustrated. Each month, my copy of the Economist reassembled a child’s colouring book. I highlighted words I didn’t recognise and made notes in the margin that related to subjects we were covering at school.

Little by little, things clicked into place and my interest in Economics broadened so far beyond the curriculum that my A Level grades jumped from a D to an A within 10 months. Encouraging your teen to read beyond the curriculum is a must. Just laying a magazine on their bed when they get home from school is enough.

3. Model Emotional Intelligence.

Something that concerns me as a private educator is the lack of awareness about emotional intelligence within the mainstream curriculum. I highly recommend familiarising yourself with Daniel Goleman’s research.“If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”

Modelling to your teen how you effectively engage in (different) relationships can be an insightful experience for all involved. Invite them to your dinner party. Invite them to your work event where they can get a better understanding of what you do. Invite them to your coffee with an old friend. Teenagers ought to be treated as adults with their own valid opinions, and their own unique insights. This is where they flourish.

4. Mirror a Growth Mindset. Nothing is impossible.

Carol Dweck’s research into Growth Mindset is iconic. She found that those with a growth mindset thrive when presented with new challenges. They don’t recognise failure conventionally, but rather see it as a springboard for growth. I recommend watching Dweck’s TED Talk on Growth Mindset with your teen first, and then getting in touch with Olea Education to explore our Growth Mindset Module for teens.

Lifelong learning is an aspect of growth mindset, and of paramount importance as industries chop and change in response to accelerated technological advancement. Mirroring a growth mindset to your teen in the face of new challenges will help to alleviate the fear of failure, and help them realise their potential. Reinforcing statements such as “I can improve my skills with effort and practice” , “Failure makes you smarter” and “Effort is exercise for your brain” can go a long way.

5. Seek the Support of a Professional Mentor.

Olea is at the forefront of cutting edge mentorship, eliciting students’ holistic intelligence and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century. Inspired by my postgraduate research at the University of Cambridge, our unique curriculum is stuffed with ideas including but not limited to the above, and is personalised to each and every individual, according to their academic and personal interests.

With a team of Oxbridgde-educated mentors (all of whom hold an enhanced DBS check, at least three years of experience and a postgraduate degree), we work collaboratively to ensure each Olea student is intellectually challenged. Thinking nerds in suits? That’s not us; we position ourselves between your teens’ teacher, elder sibling and wise old grandma. Don’t just take our word for it, browse through the testimonials on our website.

6. Lightly Nudge their Interests.

The majority of my students are from China, where education is valued above all else. As such, I have unfortunately witnessed a child’s initial interest for a hobby or academic subject be squished before it has even had time to fly. Parents are willing to go extreme lengths to ensure that their child has an edge, yet while it can be incredible to see such support, it can also be to the detriment of teenagers who simply want to mess around, explore and play.

If your teen has recently expressed an interest in something, it is important to ensure they have control over their learning, and that as a parent, you acknowledge your support in whatever their interests are. Afterall, psychologist Jean Coté once said, “Shortcutting the stage of relaxed, playful interest, discovery and development has dire consequences.”

Author: OLEA Education Ltd is an elite education establishment that enhances 21st century skills through OLEA’s Foundational Pillars of IQ, EQ, AQ, SQ and CQ. Founded by Olivia A. Halsall (MPhil, Cantab), students aged 8-11 start with our weekly Sunday workshops (OLEA’s Electi), before moving onto our teenage academic mentorship program (OLEA’s Oraculti) for ages 12-18. All our OLEA Mentors are educated from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, are specialists in their respective fields, and exhibit OLEA values of empathy, ambition and intercultural awareness.

Chances For Children : Sponsor a Child’s Education

hgrattan — Thu, 27 May 2021 08:34:27 +0000

Chances for Children : Sponsor a Child’s Education

By Gabrielle Crump

« One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.»

-Malala Yousafzai

Chances for Children Monaco has been running for 6.5 years and is headed up by Gabrielle and Russell Crump. The charity is 100% financially and morally responsible for 54 orphaned children in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The organization in Uganda was set up by Martin Male, an AIDS orphan himself, after he had spent 6 years living in the slums and streets of Kampala. Martin was given a chance in life by being adopted by local lady who had 3 daughters but no son. ‘Mummy Jayne’ as she is fondly known, gave Martin a sense of belonging, a home and the love he had been missing as a child. Martin was fortunate enough to have an education and finished senior school. Once he finished school he felt compelled to head back to the slums and set up a grass roots organization to help the kids he had left behind, that had become his family. This has become CHANCES FOR CHILDREN.

The original organization was set up in 2011. In 2014, Gabrielle and Russell dived in headfirst to give these children a brighter future. They joined forces with Martin and the CHANCES FOR CHILDREN journey began.

At the outset the children lived in a hut with goats, no education, no running water, no indoor toilets and one meal a day if they were lucky, but Martin supplied love and hope in abundance. In the 7-year journey, the organization has grown to owning its own property, the children have three good meals a day with ongoing medical care and are in full time education at a very good school. They have formed their own dance troop specializing in traditional Ugandan tribal dance and have an amazing singing choir.

Gabrielle, Russell and all the generous supporters have built the success of Chances For Children on true grit, determination and love and we would be delighted for you to join together with on this incredible journey.

What can you do to help?

Most children have a sponsor or a group of sponsors who help us cover the expenses of running the home, local staff costs, water and electricity, food, sanitary towels, and toiletries.

Currently we have many children needing education sponsorship. Pre 2020 we relied heavily on events to generate donations which has of course been very tough this past year. Most of the children are rising stars with aspirations to become pillars of society as doctors or nurses, DJ’s, pilot, accountants and entrepreneurs.

An education sponsorship costs 50€/month. 1.66 euros a day, the price of your morning espresso! The monthly budget per child is 50€ (the fee covers school meals, extra curriculum activities, transport to and from school, full tuition fees, uniforms, books and pens, admission fees…)

The C4C family of Children are acutely aware of the fortunate opportunity they have been given and strive at every opportunity to be the very best. Your donation will help C4C carry on its great work and help dreams come true.

Educate a child for 1.66€ a day!

An education sponsorship covers:

- School fees and admissions

- Uniforms

- All school supplies and stationery

- School meals

- Exams

- School trips

The realization of their dream !

Education sponsorship costs 50€/month. 1.66 euros a day !

Every donation to C4C goes 100% to the Ugandan center.

Author : Gabrielle Crump has been running Chances For Children (C4C) for 6 years with her husband Russell. They care for 54 orphaned children in Uganda.

Getting a Side Hustle in 2021: 6 Ideas to Boost Your Family’s Finances

hgrattan — Mon, 17 May 2021 08:55:00 +0000

Getting a Side Hustle in 2021 : 6 Ideas to Boost Your Family’s Finances

By Holly Grattan

Earning a bit of income on the side is a very popular topic of conversation in 2021. If there's one thing 2020 has taught us it's that the future is uncertain and with that being the case, having more than one source of income is definitely a more secure option.

A side hustle is a great way to utilize your skills and passion and turn them into something that brings in additional income for your family. In these difficult times many people are seeking additional income streams or pivoting to open up new sources of revenue. Side hustles are not to be scoffed at; they can be big or small, they can be used to pay bills, clear debt & invest for your future. So, what type of side hustle will suit you? Well, what do you know how to do, that someone would buy or hire you for, if they knew you were available? Or what complementary services could your business offer to your existing clients?

There are so many different ways you can earn a few extra euros with a side hustle and so many of them can be done from the comfort of your own home. Thanks to the internet, we have the possibility to tap into a vast amount of opportunities found in the digital ether of cyberspace, but finding the right one for you will depend on your unique needs, your skills and market demand.

If you already have an idea, what’s stopping you? If not, get ready for our pick of some simple side hustle suggestions to inspire you and eventually you might even be able to say goodbye to your 9-5.

1. Sell Stuff:

The first idea is to sell belongings that you already have by decluttering items like clothing, kitchen items that you no longer need. Leboncoin.com or Vinted.com are great places to do this. But what if you have or make your own products? During the pandemic, some of the businesses who see high levels of success are those selling products and services directly to consumers online. As retail has been closed, manufacturers and entrepreneurs have simply skipped the middleman and been able to achieve much higher mark-ups by selling through shopify.com, Amazon, or Etsy or by using an add-on shop plugin on their website like Woo Commerce. My research shows that health and exercise products and gifts have seen huge success in the past year. Another booming sector to consider are digital products that people can access and download online. Examples include printables, courses & eBooks. So, if you are highly knowledgeable and passionate about a subject this might be for you.

2. Online Tutoring

Tutoring is extremely flexible and can be done around another job on evenings and weekends. There are lots of apps and companies online who employ part and full-time tutors. You can also offer tutoring services privately via Facebook groups. I reviewed and signed up for cambly.com as part of my research for this article. This platform is really easy to use, does not require teaching qualifications and offers opportunities to simply chat to people and make money. You can choose to tutor adults or children.

3. Virtual Assistant/PA

If you have an eye for detail and are super organized, why not support a small business owner or CEO with their administration. This can be a fantastic opportunity to offer a few hours of your time to a startup and help them grow. There is really no limit to types of jobs a VA/PA might be doing including but not limited to inbox management, organizing travel arrangements, dealing with clients, comment response, organizing google drive, graphic design or writing social media posts. There are lots of tools you can use but my favorite one that I use myself is toggle.com, an effortless, free, time-tracking software.

4. Social Media Manager

Social media is an important part of any marketing plan. No matter how big or small a business’s social following, a lot of work goes into building an engaged audience to keep them coming back for more. And just when you think you’ve got it just right, boom! there’s an algorithm change and you need to revise your now ineffective strategy. While it might sound like a dream come true to actually earn an income tweeting, snapping, pinning, and posting, being a professional social media manager is a lot different than posting on your own personal accounts. It can be a full-time job on its own to keep up on social media and that is why many business owners seek to outsource these tasks to someone who is social media savvy. The role might see you developing a strategy on how to post and when, what social channels a business should even devote their energy to in the first place, building a social media calendar and even writing, designing and scheduling posts. Check out canva.com for designing posts and hootsuite.com for scheduling.

5. House Sitting / Pet Sitting

Yes, this can be considered a genuine side hustle as it can save you quite a bit of money in rent and utilities and it is quite popular on the Riviera. There are property and estate owners who will hire you to come and look after their home and look after their pets whilst they are away. Take a look at trustedhousesitter.com and mindmyhouse.com . Rover.com is another great platform where you can register to look after pets either at the owners' home or yours. You can offer other services too like dog walking and dog grooming.

6. Handy Man / Woman

Are you a dab hand at a bit of DIY? Do you know how to mount shelves, do you find painting walls therapeutic? Why not consider doing odd jobs for local residents. All along the Riviera there are people looking for a trustworthy individual to help them with all sorts of small jobs around their homes and gardens.

Pick Your Side Hustle

With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed figuring out which one is right for you. Whatever you choose to do, make a business plan and follow it in easy to achieve steps and goals.

Just pick one that suits you and get started. The flexibility of these side jobs means you can stop if you don’t like it or pause if life gets crazy. 

Why not challenge yourself to pay your weekly food shop with your side hustle, and see where it takes you.

Author: Holly Grattan

A Life Changing Summer: Navigating Educational Summer Camp Options

hgrattan — Thu, 13 May 2021 08:46:00 +0000

A Life Changing Summer: Navigating Educational Summer Camp Options

By Laura Toledo

How often, towards the end of the school year, have you found yourself looking for the best way for your children to spend their summer having fun but also doing something enriching, unique and educational?

When children reach an age where they can go away on their own, it’s time to navigate through the process of selecting the right activity for them. There are so many alternatives - summer camps, teen programmes, intensive language programmes – the list goes on. Which is right for each individual child will depend on a variety of factors including age, personality and interests. There is such a vast amount of information available, it often helps to reach out to an expert to help orientate you through the options. Every child is unique and there is something to meet everyone’s passion, needs and budget.

The benefits of an experience away from home are multiple and they can be different depending on the child’s age and on the type of programme.

For younger ones, joining a summer camp helps them gain independence, make new friends, learn new skills and develop new interests, all in a safe environment free of judgement, grades and fear of failure.

Teenagers can use their summer to take advantage of an intensive language programme to learn or improve a foreign language in an international environment, and they will greatly benefit from the adventure of teen travel and community service trips, as well as enjoy independence and making new friends that could last a lifetime. A strong summer experience always improves a resumé for teens who haven’t worked yet and are looking for a first job, as it can help showcase acquired skills and responsibilities. When the time comes for teenagers to make choices for their academic and professional future, a summer experience can be the opportunity to get a “taste” of what they would like to study later.

Summer programmes offer children amazing opportunities to experience new adventures, make lasting friends and try new activities. A wisely chosen summer programme can really turn from a simple holiday into an educational and life-changing adventure.

Author: Laura Toledo, lawyer and mother of two children, is the representative for Monaco and the Côte d’Azur of The Camp Experts & Teen Summers. Laura works with families to help them to find the ideal summer camp or teen programme for their children, taking the time to understand their goals, their child’s interests, abilities, preferences and personality.

Interview With Victoria Stevenson, Columbus Monte-Carlo

hgrattan — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:54:50 +0000

An Interview With Victoria Stevenson

General Manager of Columbus Hotel, Monaco On Their Seasonally Themed Creative and Culinary Activities for Children

By Holly Grattan & Victoria Stevenson

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Victoria Stevenson, General Manager of new lifestyle and boutique hotel Columbus Monaco and mother of two. I am of English nationality and grew up and studied in the Principality before joining the Institut de Hautes Études de Glion in Switzerland. After an international career, I returned to the Principality of Monaco where I joined the Columbus in 2014 and took over the management four years after my arrival.

What activities do you offer?

Here at the Columbus Monte-Carlo we are very attentive to the needs of families and regularly organize workshops dedicated to our little darlings. Depending on the health situation, we try to organize activities every other month where the children meet for 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon. They carry out creative and culinary activities around a seasonal theme, under the benevolent instruction of the hotel teams.

Where did the idea of doing children's activities come from?

The Columbus Monte-Carlo is an establishment that aims to be authentic and in view of its geographical location allows our customers to live like locals. It therefore seemed obvious for us to organise activities for customers’ children but also for the children of the Principality and its surroundings. We then imagined these workshops with our team and launched them last Halloween.

Tell us about The Columbus Monte-Carlo and where it is located in Monaco?

Columbus Monte-Carlo is located in Fontvielle, a district which was reclaimed from the sea 30 years ago. It was the Principality's first lifestyle hotel, designed and founded by David Coulthard, the former Formula 1 driver, in 2001, and acquired by London & Regional Hotels in 2010. A complete renovation was carried out in 2018, offering a brighter atmosphere with the opening of the lobby onto the neighboring Rose Garden through its large bay windows.

What kind of clientele do you welcome and what should guests visit and experience during a stay at the Columbus?

Far from the stereotypes of large hotel groups, the Columbus Monte-Carlo welcomes a varied clientele of regulars and new visitors, coming for business or leisure. Fontvielle whilst close to Monte Carlo feels off the beaten track and more authentic. If you have ever gone for a walk here, then you have probably discovered the beautiful Princess Grace Rose Garden created in homage to Grace Kelly by Prince Rainier III and inaugurated in 1984, nearby you will also find the Chapiteau under which the Monaco International Circus Festival is held. The Columbus hosts most of the troops that perform there every year. We also host many guests who come to experience the plethora of sporting events which take place at the Louis II stadium, stronghold of AS Monaco, and headquarters of the annual Herculis athletics meeting, which is only a few minutes’ walk away. Finally, just a short distance away you can discover the Naos private beach which mixes modernity and relaxation, joy and conviviality, with the breeze of the sea air, fine sand, and a truly panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

What gastronomic delights can guests explore at your restaurant Tavolo and The Bar?

Columbus Monte-Carlo's restaurant Tavolo offers an innovative dining experience in Monaco. It’s daily ardoise menu draws on Mediterranean flavours to create delicious dishes crafted from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner,

Tavolo’s acclaimed outdoor terrace overlooks the Princess Grace Rose Garden, where guests can enjoy a superb view over the hundred-year-old olive trees and the 315 varieties of roses.

Guests and locals alike can enjoy the hotel’s sleek, cozy bar which pays homage to classic cocktail culture. Our cocktail bar offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a snacking menu. A truly elegant experience.

Do you have any special offers for our readers?

The 181 rooms and suites at the Columbus Monte-Carlo are designed especially for our guests. Most of them have terraces or balconies, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The hotel gives pride of place to families with dedicated attention designed around out youngest guests. We offer a 50% reduction on a second room booked and free admission for children under 12.

For those who would like to extend their stay even further, note that serviced residences have been added to the offer in June 2019 with 4 studios, 8 duplexes and a penthouse.

Author: Holly Grattan & Victoria Stevenson