<B>Jocelyne MINERVE</B>

?I must concede that I find it quite hard to select only one best teacher as a few of them have had a very sticking impact on me. But the first one who comes to my mind is Lise Savrimouthou, who was teaching me in Standard IV at Philipe Rivalland. Although she was strict, somehow, she had two characteristics that made me appreciate her a lot. Firstly, she was the one who really made me like civic education. Secondly, she was the person who opened my eyes on what environment and ecology are. Hence she made me feel passionate about it. The way she was doing it was very special. I recall once we were talking about yard. Subsequently, she asked us to think about the components and different elements present in our yards. She then told us about the importance of the pebbles and also, pumpkins? seeds. Thus, after such conversations with her, I began collecting such elements and I made a small garden of all these as a result of my fascination. When I think about Lise Savrimouthou, I realize how meaningful, what she was suggesting to us, was.

The other teacher who really had an impact on me was Raymonde Fanchette. I was her student in both Standards III and V. I used to see her every Saturday afternoon as well, as she was doing a ?mouvement d?animation? for children. This has had such an impact on me, that I have devoted a large part of my life to children. Whilst I was with her, I was taught very interesting things such as collective games and songs. Moreover, I was inculcated important values such as discipline and a very active pedagogy. In fact, I was given a non-formal training in dealing with children by her. Thereafter, when I turned 16, I found myself in her position taking care of youngsters. This has helped me have various responsible positions both on a national and an international basis (when I was the secretary of the International Movement for Children in Paris during 5 years).

I also recall very well Mireille Némorin who was my music teacher. She was a great musician; more precisely she was playing the organ. The way she was doing her classes was awesome; consequently I really had a taste for music. I felt so fervent that I started enjoying singing.

At secondary level, I had an English teacher by the name of Maryse d?Espaignet. She was such a caring and attentive teacher for all her students. Furthermore, she always wanted a sort of social mobility from every student. She always knew how to bring the best out of each student whilst giving the opportunity to the students to strive forward at their own rhythm.

I cannot finish without mentioning two teachers. First, it was another English teacher named Marcel Bigaignon. His sense of justice was really captivating. So, it was no surprise to see how just and how fair he was towards his students. Last but not least, there was Nella Roussel, my former physical education teacher. She really inspired me in sports. Just like the other teachers I mentioned, she was a role model in her field.

When I think about them, I notice that they have all contributed in my education and more specifically in my cultural development and it goes without saying that I will always ever be thankful and grateful to all of them. They were all ?best teachers? in their own ways, due to their personal qualities, their convictions and their pedagogical approach.?