PROJECT PILLOT

Empowering Education and Exploration

At inlingua® Luxemburg we believe in the power of education and community to transform lives. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, our school is proud to announce exciting initiatives aimed at fostering learning, integration, and fun: within the European Pillot project, we were very happy to organize the unique activity of "City Game" for our learners.

Pillot stands for Promoting Inclusive Language Learning Opportunities Through Local Culture and Heritage for Learners with Refugee and Migrant Backgrounds and is specifically designed to support refugees and migrants in their journey to learn the language of their adoptive countries while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture.

Building Bridges Through Education

Understanding the challenges faced by those who have been displaced or migrated, inlingua® Luxemburg organized test runs of tailored French and Luxemburgish classes designed to support refugees in their educational and social integration journey. These classes focus on essential skills, including language learning, cultural understanding, and practical knowledge, ensuring that learners feel equipped and welcomed into the local community.

Our dedicated educators bring both expertise and compassion to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive. By engaging in these programs, refugees and migrants not only gain valuable skills but also forge meaningful connections that foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

PILLOT Activity 1: "City Game": Exploring Luxembourg’s History and Culture

In tandem with our language classes, we are also conducting test runs for an exciting new activity: the "City Game." This interactive and competitive group game combines learning with adventure, offering learners a chance to explore the historic city center of Luxembourg like never before.

Using a specially designed app, learners navigate through the city in small teams, solving clues and uncovering hidden stories about Luxembourg's rich heritage. The journey culminates in a delightful treasure hunt in the picturesque Grund district, where the final "treasure" awaits—bringing the adventure to a rewarding and memorable conclusion.

One of our French groups at the starting point at Place d’Armes.

Our Luxemburgish teacher Gilles with his group and their treasure.

Mid-way group pictures at Notre-Dame cathedral and Gëlle Fra.

PILLOT Activity 2: "City through My Eyes": Exploring the City’s History Through Trams

As part of the PILLOT initiative, we are excited to offer learners a unique and immersive experience through the activity "City Through My Eyes." This engaging program provides refugees and migrants with a hands-on opportunity to explore the rich history of Luxembourg’s public transportation system, specifically the tram, while improving their language skills and connecting with the local heritage.

Learning Through the "Chaotic Order" Game

The journey began with an interactive activity called "Chaotic Order." In this activity, learners worked in teams to piece together the historical development of Luxembourg’s tram system. The game’s dynamic approach allowed participants to engage with key events in the evolution of the tram network, helping them understand how transportation has shaped the city’s growth and development over time.

By working through historical milestones and sorting facts into chronological order, learners not only practiced their language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of Luxembourg's urban transformation. The "Chaotic Order" activity encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and dialogue, fostering both linguistic and cultural learning.

A Journey Through Time: The Tram Ride and visit of the Bus & Tramway Museum

Following the educational game, learners boarded a modern tram for a ride to the city’s Bus and Tramway Museum. This real-world experience allowed participants to connect theory with practice as they traveled on the very mode of transportation they had just studied.

Upon arriving at the museum, the learners were immersed in the city’s public transport history. The museum’s extensive collection of photographs from various time periods offered a glimpse into how the tram system has evolved throughout the years. Models and real historic tramways on display provided an even deeper understanding of how transportation technology and design have changed, reflecting Luxembourg's growing infrastructure.

Exploring History on a Historic Tram

The highlight of the museum visit was the opportunity to take a ride on a restored historic tram, traveling around the museum grounds. This hands-on experience allowed learners to step into the past and physically feel what it was like to travel on a tram from an earlier era. It was a memorable and engaging way to connect with the history they had studied in the "Chaotic Order" activity, bringing the city's past to life.

Cultural Discovery and Language Learning

"City Through My Eyes" is more than just a history lesson; it is a cultural discovery that deepens learners’ understanding of Luxembourg’s heritage. By combining a fun, interactive learning experience with a real-world adventure, this activity fosters language skills, cultural understanding, and a sense of belonging for refugees and migrants.

Through experiences like these, PILLOT continues to promote inclusive language learning and cultural integration, offering a unique opportunity for learners to engage with their new home and its rich history.

A Step Towards a Connected Future

The "City Through My Eyes" activity exemplifies the power of experiential learning. By exploring the city’s tram system, learners not only gain knowledge about Luxembourg’s history but also develop meaningful connections to their new community. These shared experiences are an essential part of the PILLOT initiative, helping learners feel more connected to their surroundings and fostering a sense of belonging.

PILLOT Activity 3: "Cultural Comparison" – Learning About Joy Through Language and Culture

As part of the PILLOT initiative, learners recently took part in the "Cultural Comparison" activity, which introduced them to cultural and linguistic nuances through creative and hands-on experiences. Designed for beginner learners, the activity focused on exploring the themes of joy and happiness in their adoptive countries, tailored to each language group’s unique focus.

French Group: Discovering "Plaisir" and "Bonheur"

The French group explored the concepts of plaisir (pleasure) and bonheur (happiness), building their vocabulary and cultural awareness through film, literature, music, and interactive activities.

Film: Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain

Learners watched an extract from Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, introducing them to simple words and actions associated with joy and pleasure. This whimsical portrayal of happiness helped beginners connect language to relatable experiences.

Literature: Au Bonheur des Dames

An adapted extract from Emile Zola’s Au Bonheur des Dames provided a glimpse into the theme of happiness in a bustling 19th-century setting. Visual aids and guided explanations helped learners build their understanding of new vocabulary.

Music: "Il est où le bonheur" by Christophe Maé

The song "Il est où le bonheur" by Christophe Maé became a lively way to practice vocabulary. Using flashcards and drawings, learners matched key phrases to their meanings and gained a better understanding of how happiness is expressed in French.

Activity: Emotional Networking through Expressing "Plaisir" and "Bonheur"

In a hands-on exercise, participants expressed what brought them plaisir and bonheur through simple sentences and drawings. With phrases like “J’aime le chocolat” (I like chocolate) or “Les fleurs me rendent heureux” (Flowers make me happy), learners practiced linking language to personal experiences and emotions.

Luxembourgish Group: Exploring Food and Music

The Luxembourgish group took a different route, focusing on food and its cultural representation in music. This approach allowed learners to connect with an essential part of Luxembourgish culture while building practical language skills.

Learning Food-Related Vocabulary

The session began with a vocabulary lesson on traditional Luxembourgish foods. Learners practiced naming local delicacies, from Kniddelen to Judd mat Gaardebounen, using flashcards and repetition exercises to reinforce their knowledge.

Music: A Song About Luxembourgish Delicacies

The group then listened to a fun, lively Luxembourgish song celebrating the country’s culinary treasures. Singing along and identifying key words in the lyrics helped learners connect vocabulary to cultural context in an enjoyable way.

adoptive country’s culture. Sharing the meal together added a communal and celebratory aspect to the learning experience.

The highlight of the session was a hands-on cooking activity where learners prepared Kniddelen, a classic Luxembourgish dish. In an effort to accommodate the group’s diverse dietary needs, the Luxembourgish teacher adapted the traditional recipe by substituting the bacon with alternative ingredients suitable for vegetarians and Muslim learners. This inclusive approach not only made the activity more accessible but also demonstrated a spirit of respect and adaptability.

This practical exercise reinforced the food-related vocabulary they had learned while giving them a taste—literally—of their adoptive country’s culture. Sharing the meal together added a communal and celebratory aspect to the learning experience, fostering connections and a sense of accomplishment among the participants.

Cooking Kniddelen: A Lesson in Adaptation

Cultural and Language Learning for Beginners

The "Cultural Comparison" activity offered an inclusive, beginner-friendly way for learners to connect with their adoptive countries’ cultures and languages. Through creative exercises and real-world experiences, participants not only built their vocabulary but also gained a sense of belonging and understanding of local traditions.

By integrating language learning with cultural immersion, PILLOT continues to promote meaningful opportunities for refugees and migrants to engage with their new communities, fostering both linguistic confidence and cultural appreciation.

PILLOT Activity 4: "Luxembourg Through My Eyes" – Discovering the Beauty of a New Home

The final day of the PILLOT initiative culminated in the activity "Luxembourg Through My Eyes," designed to help learners explore their new environment beyond Luxembourg City. This immersive outing allowed learners to experience the cultural and natural treasures of Luxembourg while connecting with its rich history and stunning landscapes.

Preparation with the Bono Method of Hats

Before embarking on the outing, learners engaged in a preparatory activity inspired by the Bono Method of the 6 Thinking Hats, adapted to their language proficiency. Each learner received a different colored hat, representing a specific role:

White Hat (Information): Focused on gathering facts about the destination.
Red Hat (Emotions): Expressed feelings and reactions to the trip.
Black Hat (Prudence): Identified potential challenges or concerns.
Yellow Hat (Benefits): Highlighted the advantages of the outing.
Green Hat (Creativity): Suggested creative ways to make the experience enjoyable.
Blue Hat (Process): Ensured the plan was well-organized and structured.

This engaging activity empowered learners to take ownership of the outing’s planning process while building teamwork and communication skills.

Exploring Echternach and the Müllerthal

With the outing planned, the group set off on a memorable journey beyond the capital.

Echternach Abbey: A Step into History

The first stop was the historic Abbey of Echternach, where learners discovered the story of Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg. As a migrant himself, Willibrord’s life resonated deeply with the learners, offering a meaningful connection to their own experiences.

Hiking to Hohlay Cave

The journey continued with a hike through the breathtaking Müllerthal region, often referred to as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland. The group visited the Hohlay Cave, a natural wonder that left many in awe. For most learners, this was their first time exploring northern Luxembourg and its picturesque landscapes.

Discovering Nature and Building Connections

The outing not only introduced learners to Luxembourg’s cultural and natural heritage but also provided an opportunity for personal discovery. Hiking the trails and experiencing the serene beauty of the countryside sparked a sense of wonder and appreciation among learners.

For many, the trip was a chance to step outside the familiar urban environment and connect with the quieter, greener side of their adoptive country. The outing fostered camaraderie, with learners sharing moments of joy and curiosity along the way.

A Memorable Conclusion to the PILLOT Journey

“Luxembourg Through My Eyes” was a fitting conclusion to the PILLOT activities, encapsulating the program’s mission to connect learners with their new community through language and culture. By venturing beyond the city, learners gained a broader perspective of their adoptive home, deepening their connection to Luxembourg’s rich history and natural beauty.

Through initiatives like this, PILLOT continues to create opportunities for refugees and migrants to learn, grow, and feel at home in their new environment.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project Name: Promoting Inclusive Language Learning Opportunities Through Local Culture and Heritage for Learners with Refugee and Migrant Backgrounds

Implementation Period: December 1, 2023 – November 30, 2025

Updates on project progress are available on the project website.
pillotproject.eu
Pillot : Revisiting Cultural Heritage & Language Education | Facebook

Involved Organizations:

Muzeum Warszawy - Poland (Project Coordinator)
Muzeul Etnografic Transilvănean - Romania
Demokratického Vzdělávání - Czech Republic
Inlingua Luxembourg Langues SA - Luxembourg
Stazione Utopia - Italy

Contact Person:

E-mail : rita.costa@inlingua.lu / lr@inlingua.lu

Téléphone : +352 403547