I am Marianne Edouard, a former student of the Institution Sainte Jeanne Antide d’Alexandrie from 1969 to 1986 and currently a teacher of French at the same school.
As far back as my memory goes, I see myself wearing a pink apron in front of a large door, dominated by the fear of the unknown, without realizing that behind that door I would find my secret garden.
In this sublime place, my personality was forged.
The spirit of Saint Jeanne-Antide, a mysterious word for those who don’t belong to our community. This spirit is an attitude towards the world and others, it is discovering the depth of things, having a broader vision, accustoming students from a young age to have self-esteem and the ability to make sacrifices: visiting lepers with Sister Pauline, people we would never have had the courage to visit without her encouragement. Thanks to her, these people stigmatized by their disease have finally been valued by society. With the mother and the guide, these activities aimed to “practice love and accept others”! Excursions to all the cities of Alexandria with Sister Pauline, an opportunity offered by the school that broadened our horizons and strengthened our sense of belonging to our country.
To tell the truth, for me Santa Giovanna Antida is not just a school. With its building that reflects simplicity, beauty and goodness, standing proudly among tall palm trees, caressed by its flowers, Santa Giovanna Antida is the factory that creates human beings in the true sense of the word, it is the savoir-vivre that goes hand in hand with a taste for reading and art!
Then the time came to cut the umbilical cord, the faculty, the job in an international company, but this place never left me, it followed me even in my dreams.
Years later, I decided to change careers. I went back to school where I had been a student to become a teacher. Nothing has changed, the same spirit reigns!
During my first lesson I decided to be up to this responsibility, faithful to everything I had learned. Looking into my students’ eyes, I see myself, I see my friends.
From generation to generation, the idea and the spirit persist!
All my respect and gratitude to all the sisters and teachers!
Homage to Saint Jeanne-Antide who watches over the continuity of her mission, who guides and accompanies her daughters.
