“This little moment of happiness feels good”: in Lannion, a solidarity New Year’s Eve organized by three associations

This Saturday, December 21, laughter, music and the sounds of dishes intertwine in the greenhouses of the A4 association. With financial assistance from the Fondation de France Grand Ouest, the Étincelle association organized a solidarity New Year's Eve to bring together new arrivals to the area and long-established residents. “This end-of-year period can be difficult for people far from their country of origin,” explains Marie-Claude Lorent, a member of Prosper for two years, one of the Lannion associations partnering with this event. “The meals were prepared the day before by around ten volunteers from the three associations. We expected around a hundred people. »

“This moment is exceptional,” says Abdel. Sitting next to his friend Mohtaz, he enjoys his meal to music. “I am Central African and Mohtaz is Sudanese. I arrived in Lannion in September 2022 as part of an asylum application. » It was a social worker who spoke to him for the first time about Étincelle's activities. “Since then, I have always been with them. »

When I take part in outings, or meals like this, it takes my mind off things and contributes to my integration into society.

Created in 2023 in Lannion, Étincelle promotes social bonds and living together. It contributes to a positive reception of people exiled in France and facilitates their integration. Currently, the association has more than 120 members. “Étincelle organizes outings, activities and gives French lessons,” explains Abdel. “For me, it’s very important. It allows you to meet people and not be alone,” confides this 26-year-old. “People who, like me, leave their country often have bad memories that they would like to forget. When I take part in outings, or meals like this, it takes my mind off things and contributes to my integration into society. » The afternoon continued with a concert by the group Safara. “The volunteers also prepared songs and dances from around the world,” adds Marie-Claude. This little moment of happiness feels good. »

This year, in the west, the Fondation de France financed 19 solidarity celebrations.