The three ambassadors for the 2024 VIA Programme for safe mobility visit Paris in June 2025
Cécilia Asmar, Marc Souaid, Marilyne Bonard from the Sainte Famille high school, Lebanon, were appointed VIA ambassadors after the international finals in December 2024...
...among 12,000 students from the 21 countries that participated in the VIA 2024, on the theme of “Walking to school safely”.
To reward their commitment, the three laureates were invited by TotalEnergies Foundation to visit Paris from 2nd to 5th June.
On the first day, the Lebanese students were welcomed by Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, General Delegate of TotalEnergies Corporate Foundation.
An opportunity for the young prize-winners to relax and chat with their teachers and the Road Safety team at TotalEnergies Foundation.
The three Lebanese students also met Olivier Rabier, Director of TotalEnergies Foundation programs.
In the afternoon, the three ambassadors and their teachers headed off to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
When they got there, they were welcomed by the Manager for Road Safety and global advocacy, to discuss the hazardous conditions surrounding access to school campuses in Lebanon.
Day two took them to Fontenay-Trésigny, where the young ambassadors took part in the final of the bike challenge organized by the association Prévention Routière (aPR), partners of TotalEnergies Foundation.
There, they discussed with the partner’s volunteers and had the opportunity to meet bus drivers and firefighters.
Cécilia, Marc and Marilyne helped the volunteers hand out safety vests to the 5th grade students taking part in the challenge.
On day three, the 2024 ambassadors of the VIA programme had the opportunity to improve their public speaking and persuasive communication skills thanks to Eloquentia, a partner of the TotalEnergies Foundation.
The group then visited UNESCO headquarters. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently incorporated safe mobility into eduction.
Afterwards they got back to TotalEnergies headquarters for an inspiring meeting with Namita Shah, Chairwoman of the TotalEnergies corporate Foundation, President of OneTech and member of the Executive Committee.
“Our experience in Paris confirmed what I already knew - that even a simple gesture can save lives. I feel even more able now to convince people to be careful on the roads.” Cécilia
“Becoming a VIA ambassador changed everything! Now I know that every word and every action can convince and protect people”. Marc
“Being a VIA ambassador is much more than a title, it’s a commitment to protect people’s lives. I’m determined to pass on that message wherever I go.” Marilyne
The three road safety ambassadors and laureates returned home with souvenirs of an incredible experience and an impactful message that they will continue to pass on in their home country.
See you in December 2025 for the next VIA programme international finals.
