His Majesty the King Visits UNamur

Arriving in Namur mid-morning, His Majesty the King was welcomed in the courtyard of the Faculty of Sciences by the Rector of UNamur, Annick Castiaux; the Governor of the Province, Denis Mathen; the Acting Mayor of Namur, Charlotte Bazelaire; and the Director-President of Henallux, Benoit Dujardin. Upon entering the Faculty of Sciences, he also met with the Director of IMEP, Guido Jardon; the Vice-Rector for Education, Laurent Schumacher; the Dean of FaSEF, Sephora Boucenna; and the Director of the Henallux Department, Alain Bultot.

In Namur, the University of Namur is collaborating on this initiative with Henallux (Haute École Namur Liège Luxembourg) and IMEP (Institut Royal Supérieur de Musique et de Pédagogie). These programs, launched in 2023–2024, have revolutionized the system, now requiring all new teachers to obtain a master’s degree in education. In this context, it was important for UNamur to highlight these students and to emphasize the importance of compulsory education and the essential role of teachers in society.  

Following the session, His Majesty the King participated in four workshops designed and led by students from UNamur, IMEP, and Henallux, in collaboration with their professors. 

1. The first workshop focused on the challenges facing the teaching profession and schools: equality, inclusion, the development of critical thinking, and sustainable development. 
2. The second, titled “Teaching, Inclusion, and Diversification—How Can We Help Each Student Reach Their Full Potential?”, emphasized adapting teaching practices to the diverse needs of students. This diversity was presented as a valuable resource in the learning process. The workshop aimed to illustrate process-oriented work and how to utilize various learning approaches. 
3. The third workshop, “Teaching with a Focus on Sustainable Development,” invited participants to reflect on how education can foster responsible citizens in the face of environmental challenges. 
4. The final workshop, “Integrating Critical Thinking Elements into Teaching in the Age of Generative AI,” offered four practical exercises for students to practice their critical thinking skills: distinguishing between real images and AI-generated images, using AI appropriately and critically, raising awareness of deepvoice—a technique that allows for the faithful reproduction of a person’s voice—and the paradigm shift in AI education within the school setting. 

To conclude the morning, the students had the honor of sharing a meal with His Majesty the King to continue these moments of exchange. 

Camille Haidon, a bachelor’s student in education, S3 track (Mathematics and Digital Education) 

“When I heard we had the chance to attend a morning event with the King, I volunteered right away. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll likely only have once in my life. Preparing for this meeting, having the courage to speak in front of the King, and sharing a meal with him—it’s an incredible story I’ll remember for a long time.” 

Laura Diaz-Bayon, master’s student in Section 4, Chemistry track 

“The King showed great interest in our workshops; he asked us many questions, and we felt valued and truly heard.

During the meal, there were no taboos. He asked us why we had chosen the teaching profession and really let us speak. He was very grateful for our dedication. I think this will remain one of the most beautiful moments of my life.”

Raimu Marquet, master’s student in Section 5, physics track

“The King was an incredible listener; he was deeply curious and sincere. He asked us about the behind-the-scenes aspects of the teaching profession and our expectations… It was a very enriching experience.

I also want to highlight the incredible energy and dedication that FaSEF brings to the implementation of the RFIE.”