After elections which mobilized more than 11,000 college students in 73% of public colleges in Gard, the Departmental Youth Council (CDJ) is beginning its second mandate for the period 2024-2026. With a participation rate of 50%, the commitment of young voters shows a sustained interest in this citizen body, which now brings together 110 elected officials. Among them, 53 girls and 57 boys, representative of all cantons and public colleges in Gard. This year, 57% of voters were able to cast their vote electronically.
Françoise Laurent-Perrigot, president of the Gard Departmental Council, underlined the importance of this system: “The constantly reaffirmed ambition of the Departmental Assembly is the success of all young people. Among the many actions that we have put in place in this direction, we wanted to give them a voice, particularly through the Departmental Youth Council which is ready to take up the challenge once again. Engage and act in projects that they themselves have defined for the collective interest. »
During their two-year mandate, young elected officials will be called upon to carry the voice of their peers through meetings, debates and concrete projects on themes such as the environment, gender equality, disability. or even access to sport. Their mission is to imagine and carry out initiatives of general interest while immersing themselves in the workings of local democracy.
Departmental Council agents spent a month raising awareness among 5th and 4th grade middle school students about this civic approach, working in 27 middle schools in the department. Former members of the CDJ also shared their experiences, highlighting the benefits of this unique commitment.
For this new mandate, the young elected officials will enrich the projects of two flagship commissions: “Quality of life and solidarity at college” and “Sustainable development”. A new commission will be created around the themes of adolescent health and well-being, in line with the skills of the Departmental Council.
The previous mandate left its mark: eight elected representatives of the CDJ received the Anacej Coup de cœur special communication prize for their radio show Gard microphonesdistinguished on September 30, 2024 in the Senate. This success demonstrates their ability to carry out ambitious projects, praised at the national level.
The first meeting of this new mandate is scheduled for December 13 in Nîmes, during Integration Day, marking the start of a new adventure for these young players in the Gard region.
Elected officials from Gard Rhone:
