Dozens of boxes overflowing with books are piled up in the reserve of the Sidney-Bechet college, in Antibes. For three years, Emmanuelle Cayla, English teacher, has invited her 6th grade students to collect as many books as possible from their families, friends and neighbors. Their mission: to offer them to the Solidar’livres association, which has been committed for 23 years to “give a second life to books”.
“Last year, we managed to collect 1,033, and this year, our goal is to reach 1,500”confided the teacher. A modest wish that has already been exceeded, as the mobilization has been exceptional: nearly 3,000 books should be collected by next week, a record. “I even think we risk having too much”she smiles, proud of the success of this initiative which she initiated.
The 6th 2 and 6th 3 classes were not alone in this adventure. They were joined by the Pont-Dulys elementary school. Each participated in various workshops, including an exhibition entitled “The Book Circuit”, which retraces its journey, from its production to its sale. “The objective is to make students aware of the true value of a work”justifies Emmanuelle Cayla.
Very committed students
Values which seem to have been well infused in the minds of pre-teens, happy to get their hands dirty. “To collect as many books as possible, I posted advertisements in my residencesays Weheb, accompanied by two friends. It worked very well, I received several whole bags.” Same enthusiasm among his comrades, who did not hesitate to empty their own shelves for a good cause.
The thousands of books collected will be resold by Solidar’livres in the Fort Carré spaces, between this Thursday and this Sunday (1). “In addition to the books donated by the college, there are 80,000 other works collected throughout the year”specifies Olivier Riouffe, president of the association. These books will be offered for sale between 1 and 3 euros, depending on their condition. The money raised will be used to buy food which will then be distributed to Restos du coeur and Secours populaire. “A book sold is equivalent to a mealrecall the students, aware of the goal of this initiative. It’s important for us to help our neighbors, hence our motivation.”
1. Free entry from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
