Horses, cats, dogs, goats, rabbits, a few chickens… and children all around. This is the project imagined by Magali Cammarata, who recently arrived in Brittany, to launch a multi-pedagogy education center (MEM). A dream that is already almost accomplished but which now only requires land to become a reality. “What would we need?” A farm, an old inn, an unusual place or a house with at least 2,000 m² of land, or even more if you like, for rental or rental-ownership,” explains the forty-year-old.
A rare project in France
It is at a place called Penquer, in Ploudaniel, that his horses are currently boarded. “The place is great, but we obviously can't accommodate the public,” describes the woman who has experience of this type of initiative, having already taken part in it in Belgium. “In France, there are very few projects of this type. Other countries are ahead on this,” assures Magali Cammarata. For the moment, although certain avenues have been explored, they have not been able to materialize.
However, time is speeding up because the project leader, already surrounded by a team ready to join her, hopes to open the doors of her MEM at the start of the 2025 school year. “I already have discussions with the rectorate, but I need a place so that he can give us his authorization.
In France, there are very few projects of this type. Other countries are ahead on this
Animals at the heart of the project
“As for location, I’m not complicated,” smiles the woman who works as an animal and cultural mediator. This can be a place that goes from the Crozon and Châteaulin peninsula to the country of Abers, the coast of Legends and the territory of Landerneau,” she lists.
“It is a house where we welcome children who need something other than a conventional education, even if I absolutely do not criticize what is done there, or parents who want something else for their children, describes the mother of a four-year-old girl. We rely on the foundation of the conventional program, the children are monitored, inspected and leave the MEM with the capacity to integrate any school, college or high school. We place more emphasis on sensitivity to ecology but also on proximity to nature, animals or culture.
Tuition at €250 per month
The ambition would be to be able to have two groups of children, one from 3 to 6 years old and the other from 6 to 12 years old, limited to twelve students “to be able to remain attentive to their needs”. “We call it an MEM because we don’t close any doors in the methods used: Montessori, Steiner/Waldorf… The interest is to put in place what works with the child,” continues the mediator. If it sees the light of day – since the closure of the Montessori school in Brest, the region no longer has such a project – the cost of this private school outside of the contract and therefore not subsidized could amount to €250 per month for families. “But we know that some are even ready to move to take part in such human adventures,” smiles Magali Cammarata, who believes that this house will also have the vocation of “participating in the vitality” of the town where she can settle.
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