Two young European students are currently carrying out civic service for one year in Argenton-sur-Creuse, as part of the European Solidarity Corps. Liam Schmidt, aged 19, lives in the south of Germany and has been working, since last October, in nursery and elementary schools in Bouesse, Tendu and Mosnay, to introduce students to English. For her part, Sofiia Zinchenko is originally from Ukraine and, at the age of 23, has been carrying out European civic service since September in the Castanea spectacles association, based in Saint-Marcel.
Total immersion in educational and cultural environments
Both made this choice in order to improve their French and broaden their experience. “ I want to study in the field of international relations “, explains Liam, who adds: “ I have just obtained my baccalaureate and, before starting my studies, I want to consolidate my French which I have been learning for eight years. » For the latter, everything is going very well, even if the children's language sometimes seems ” complicated to understand ».
Sofiia, for her part, completed her theater studies in Ukraine and hoped, with this European civic service, “ try something new “. She is delighted with her experience within Castanea spectacles and is currently participating in the tour of the company Le Chant du spring.
« People are open and kind », according to Liam, which Sofiia confirms: “ With the people here, things are going well “. Their only regret: the absence of young people their age in Argenton, where they are staying.
An opportunity for 18-30 year olds
Argenton has been welcoming young European volunteers since 2020. Judith Cartier, who has worked at the Education League for ten years, coordinates the European Solidarity Corps service in Indre. This system from the Erasmus + agency is aimed at young people, aged 18 to 30, in the European Union. Judith's mission consists of training tutors and ensuring the logistics of these stays.
The Education League is the only association that welcomes European volunteers in Indre. But it is also responsible for sending young French people to another European country. “ Administratively speaking, it's simple », Estimates Judith Cartier. “ It is a cultural opening for the French, including in rural areas. », Estimates the coordinator.
Liam and Sofiia meet Judith Cartier once a month. According to the latter, the final diploma they will obtain, the Youth passallows “ improve the employability of young people, beyond human and cultural experience “. Without forgetting the opportunity to improve in a language, which Liam and Sofiia already do very well.
European Solidarity Corps, information from Manuel Poirier: 07.69.07.39.24.
