Space, a booster for Guianese youth – June 2022

European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet was in French Guiana on 15 and 16 June. On this occasion, Guianese pupils who had taken part in the "Elève ton Blob" educational project, an Alpha mission experiment carried out on board the ISS and on Earth, were able to share their results with the astronaut and ask him all their space-related questions.

Nearly 200 students from elementary, secondary and high schools across French Guiana came to meet this inspirational figure for young and old alike.

The aim of the "Guyane Astro Tour" operation, which took place from 30 May to 3 June, was to raise awareness of scientific culture and Universe sciences among schoolchildren in Haut Maroni. It was organised by the Observatoire de Paris and the Rectorat de Guyane, in partnership with the French space agency.

During this period, a number of events were organised in schools in Maripasoula and Papaïchton, as well as conferences for the general public on the theme of "Journey through the solar system".

France's biggest dictation contest was held on 21 May in Reims, with two remote locations, one in Kourou, from the Jupiter room at Europe’s spaceport, and one in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Year 9 pupils at Henri Agarande secondary school in Kourou could review spelling and grammar rules while having fun.

"Tous prêts pour la dictée" (All ready for the dictation!) is an event organised for the 4th year running by the regional branches of France 3, Lumni and Guyane La 1ère.  The aim is to help secondary school pupils prepare for the dictation test in the secondary school leaving exam in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 

The "Space is ace" educational outreach programme, conducted from 1 February to 30 May in schools across French Guiana, is coming to an end.

Between February and May, volunteer engineers from the French space agency visited secondary schools in French Guiana to share their experience and help to spread scientific culture among young people.

On 11 April, more than 200 pupils from primary and secondary schools in French Guiana took part in the awards ceremony for the "Draw me a launch" competitions organised during the launch of the James Webb space telescope last December.

The primary school classes rewarded for their achievements are:

- CM2 B class from the Olivier Compas school in Kourou
- CM1 10 class from the Émile Nézes school in Kourou
- CM1/CM2 classes from the Alexander Mac Instosch school in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- CM1 class from the Edmé Courat school in Macouria
- CM1A/CM2A class from Le Bourg school in Matoury
- CM1 class from the Rozé Gabin school in Saint-Georges
- CM2 class from the Capitaine Lossin school in Grand-Santi

The lucky winners received a voucher for a visit to the Space Museum, the Fablab and the Canopée des Sciences, as well as various prizes.

The winning secondary school classes are:

- 1st prize: Auguste Dédé secondary school, Rémire-Montjoly
- 2nd prize: Paul Jean Louis secondary school in Saint Laurent du Maroni
- 3rd prize: Eugène Nonnon secondary school and Saint Joseph day school in Cayenne.

Their pupils won a tour of the facilities at Europe’s spaceport and the Space Museum, in the company of Jean Luc Voyer, Director of Operations for the Webb mission.