On April 3, 2026, we spoke with 32 high school students from the Montrouge Vocational High School for Construction about what Jean Monnet’s legacy means to them.
Their responses were particularly clear: above all, they are inspired by his determination. “Nothing stops him,” “he dares to do anything,” “he isn’t impressed by titles and honors”: they admire his journey as a self-taught man, driven by confidence and conviction.
They also highlighted his approach to dialogue—his ability to bring people together around a table to find common solutions and resolve conflicts through active listening and mutual respect. “We need a Jean Monnet Dialogue Space at our high school where we can finally listen to one another,” one student suggested.
The students then discussed ways to bring Monnet’s philosophy of action, peace, and unity to life within their school. Several of their recommendations will be implemented by the staff and students at the start of the 2026 school year.
This was a meaningful and practical exercise that will be replicated in the 24 Jean Monnet high schools across France, which serve more than 22,000 high school students. Stay tuned…
