On May 5, 2025, more than 150 students from six middle schools in Loire-Atlantique gathered at the Gobinière theater to showcase their creative projects centered around the theme of the liberation of Lower Loire. This event highlighted the culmination of a year-long journey of artistic and cultural education, organized by the Departmental Archives.
The participating schools included Saint-Michel de Guémené-Penfao, Jean-Rostand d’Orvault, Gérard-Philipe de Carquefou, Chantenay de Nantes, Goulaine de Basse-Goulaine, and Marie-Marvingt de Bouguenais. Each eighth-grade class presented a significant moment from the liberation of the region, arranged chronologically to help illustrate the historical narrative.
One of the standout performances came from the students of Jean-Rostand d’Orvault, who depicted General de Gaulle’s visit to Nantes in January 1945. Their presentation was not just a reenactment but a thoughtful interpretation of a pivotal event in the region’s history. French teacher M. Postec, along with history teacher M. Audrain and two actors from the local theater company La Fidèle Idée, guided the students through the process of writing, staging, and performing their piece.
“At first, the students found it challenging to envision what it meant to write for the theater and embody a text,” M. Postec explained. “We worked on their writing skills and oral expression, teaching them how to project their voices with confidence.” The effort paid off, as feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. One student from Bouguenais described the experience as “a beautiful opportunity that brought the class closer together,” while a young Ukrainian student noted it was “the best experience of [her] life.”
In a parallel initiative, students around 15 years old from various schools have completed interactive maps tracing the main places of resistance in the region. This project, which has been running throughout the school year, is part of a transdisciplinary approach involving their history-geography, French, and technology teachers. Under the guidance of the National Office for Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG), these students participated in research and writing workshops.
Elsa Rault, a French teacher involved in the project, mentioned, “This is the third year we have undertaken this initiative.” The project began in 2022 and has already seen the publication of two interactive maps that spotlight significant locations and notable figures from the local resistance. Rachid Chebraoui, their technology teacher, emphasized that this project not only stimulates creativity but also fosters curiosity and engagement among students.
This year, the students focused on the Bir-Hakeim maquis, a group of resistance fighters active in areas including Hérault, southern Aveyron, the Cévennes, and the Rhône valley. Student leader Safwane shared insights about the maquis, stating, “Founded in the summer of 1942 by Commander Rigal and Jean Capel, this group was distinguished by its audacity and organized military structure.” The project involves around 50 participants who have diligently worked to ensure their research is thorough and accurate.
To support their findings, students utilized various archival sources, including materials from the Historical Service of Defense in Vincennes and the National Archives. They crafted biographies of both male and female resistance fighters, blending rigorous historical research with narrative storytelling.
To ground their academic work in real-world experiences, the students visited the Rivesaltes Memorial, a site dedicated to the memory of internment in France during the 20th century. History teacher Nadège Anguiviel remarked, “This visit was essential for understanding the mechanisms of exclusion, persecution, and resistance.”
Another impactful moment was the meeting with Holocaust survivor Nicolas Ribowski, who shared his poignant testimony as a hidden child during the war. His story left a profound impact on the students, emphasizing the importance of remembering history and its lessons.
The combined efforts of these educational initiatives showcase a commitment to not only preserving history but also engaging young minds in meaningful ways. Through creative expression and rigorous research, students are not only learning about the past but are also developing skills that will serve them well into the future.
As these students continue to explore and present their findings, they embody the spirit of remembrance and resilience that defines the history of their region. Their projects serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding one’s heritage and the sacrifices made by those who came before them. By engaging with these historical narratives, they contribute to a collective memory that honors the courage of resistance fighters and the complexities of their stories.
This year’s projects, whether through theatrical performance or interactive mapping, highlight the diverse ways in which history can be interpreted and shared, fostering a sense of community and continuity among generations.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of students, teachers, and community members in Loire-Atlantique reflect a profound commitment to education, remembrance, and cultural engagement. As they continue to explore their history, they pave the way for future generations to appreciate and learn from the past.
