FASNY 8th Graders welcome Legendary Photojournalist Jean-Pierre Laffont

This meeting, which took place a few days after Mr. Laffont was honored at the FASNY Gala, left a lasting impression on the students.

The powerful messages shared by Jean-Pierre Laffont particularly resonated with the students. For this exceptional photojournalist, his work represents much more than a simple profession – it is a true passion that has animated him for decades. The students were deeply moved by Mr. Laffont's work, especially his poignant reports on child labor around the world. What made a strong impression was learning that his photographs, published in numerous international magazines, directly contributed to the revision of UNESCO's laws on childhood.

This meeting allowed students to understand how art can become a powerful vector for social change. The question "Can a photograph change history?" found its answer in Jean-Pierre Laffont's exemplary career. The interaction between the students and the photojournalist was characterized by exceptional listening quality. They asked pertinent questions that demonstrated their interest and engagement. The session concluded with enthusiastic applause and sincere thanks, testifying to the profound impact of Mr. Laffont's visit. The students particularly appreciated his teaching approach and the depth of his messages. Their enthusiasm was such that they expressed the wish to see him again to continue these exchanges, as time was too short to explore all aspects of his impressive work.

The experience emphasized our educational philosophy, which aims to offer students authentic learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. Allowing students to interact with passionate professionals like Jean-Pierre Laffont helps broaden their horizons and nurture their aspirations. We warmly thank Jean-Pierre Laffont for his generosity and the precious time he dedicated to the students. His testimony will remain a source of inspiration for their journey!