On Friday 5th June, Dr Mecky and Dr Michelle were excited to be invited back to EduFest, Switzerland’s biggest festival of education, for a second time.
EduFest provides a valuable opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded people, including educators, parents and students committed to learning, connection, and positive change.
The day began with an inspiring keynote from Michelle Gyles McDonnough, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Executive Director at UNITAR, who encouraged participants to embrace lifelong learning, remain curious, be authentic, show empathy, stay open-minded, and remember that together we are stronger. These messages provided a powerful foundation for reflection and discussion throughout the day.
As invited facilitators, Dr Mecky and Dr Michelle led two sessions. The first focused on burnout among teachers and other support staff, as well as parents and caregivers. Discussions explored the role of psychological safety in preventing burnout and supporting well-being. When individuals feel safe to speak openly, ask for help, and be themselves, stronger and more resilient communities can flourish. A key takeaway was that well-being is not solely an individual responsibility; it is strengthened through collective care, supportive relationships, and meaningful social connections.
Their second session focused on supporting Le Rosey Well-being Ambassadors to strengthen their skills and confidence in supporting peers who may be experiencing challenges. It explored the importance of empathy, active listening, and connecting someone to a trusted adult when needed.
One of the highlights of their day was meeting Damien from Coffee Foundation, a Switzerland-based non-profit organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers surrounding mental health. By encouraging open and non-judgmental conversations, the foundation creates spaces where vulnerability is welcomed and peer-to-peer support is accessible. Their conversation reinforced a shared belief in the importance of community and the value of bringing people together to support one another.
One of the strongest messages emerging from the day was the importance of reflection itself. Reflection remains one of the most effective ways to learn, broaden perspectives, and turn insights into action. Dr Mecky and Dr Michelle left feeling grateful to be part of a growing movement that supports young people and those who work with them, promotes well-being, and creates positive change through connection, compassion, and collective action.
