This is a first in Essonne. At the beginning of October, 70,000 euros were collected by the Urban Community of Étampois Sud-Essonne (Caese) to fight against poverty in its territory. The community was won over by the Break Poverty Foundation’s project. The principle? Convince local businesses and municipalities to finance tailor-made support for young people who have dropped out of school and children who are experiencing their first academic difficulties.
At the head of the Société Ile-de-France d'Espaces Verts (SFEV), Paul-Émile Chipot, 39, was convinced like 17 other business leaders and ten towns in the region. For him, the commitment amounts to 15,000 euros over three years. “I chose to participate in the financing of a project aimed at young people who have dropped out of school with the Etincelle network. At the time, I too failed my baccalaureate. But I was lucky to be able to be supported by my family. »
If part of the donation is tax deductible, the financial effort remains real. “Everyone finances according to their abilities,” continues the young business leader. But I am convinced that this support can help them succeed and flourish. What we finance is concrete. » With the Axa d'Étampes agency, the promoter Continental Foncier and the town hall of Morigny-Champigny, 19,500 euros were collected for this first session. There will be three in all, thanks to which around ten young people have reconnected with the world of work.
“We started by reminding them of the importance of arriving on time and letting them know if we are late,” says Karine Prigent of the Étincelle network. Then, we will explain to them how we present ourselves in the company. It seems elementary but you have to start there. » In total immersion in the Colas company (specializing in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure) which welcomes them, the young people will then have to establish a professional project.
Six other actions were financed. The Dulala association will work with city officials in charge of early childhood to ensure that the French language is mastered from an early age. Zup de Co will offer individualized support to middle school students in difficulty from Mérévillois and Étampes.
“Around forty projects have already been developed in France,” says Anne-Claire Petit, program manager at Break Poverty. This concerns 31,000 beneficiaries. In total, 80% of young people who followed the program saw a positive change in their situation. » The overall budget for this sponsorship should be around 400,000 euros within three years and reach 2,300 young people in the region.
