High school students from Cayenne wash cars to go to New York

A multitude of keys are lined up on an American flag. A little further on, several cars are being polished. This Saturday morning, instead of the usual discussions between high school students, high-pressure cleaners and vacuum cleaners are heard at Melkior-Garré high school. All to the rhythm of the music emitted by a speaker placed on the floor. Welcome to the high school car wash! It's now a habit: every year at the same time, first year students organize a car wash morning to finance their stay in the United States. After a two-day stopover in Miami, they must stay in New York.

Created in 2012, the international class is a section of excellence, accessible by competitive examination. « Every year, we offer first year students the opportunity to participate in an exchange with the Ethical culture Fieldston school in New York.indicates Sophie Boucherot, professor of Life and Earth Sciences, who accompanies them. For around ten days, each student accompanies a “ buddy », classmate, during his lessons. Accommodated with host families, students become familiar with the American way of life, culture and school curriculum. They also have a mission : present Guyanese languages ​​and cultures.

But carrying out such a project comes at a cost : 60 000 euros at the very least this year. In addition to a subsidy from the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana, the establishment relies on funding from families, for a third of the expense, and on the proceeds of actions carried out by the students. : the famous car wash and the sale of daily sweets are part of it. « It's a very close-knit grouprecognizes Sophie Boucherot. Only the first year students will leave, but there are second or final year students who are there to help them. » Students are also there. Formerly international class, they had the opportunity to leave in the past and came to help out in solidarity.

For the next exchange in the United States at the beginning of April, 22 students are registered. But even if the financing manages to be completed, nothing says that the whole group will be able to fly to the country of Uncle Sam. « Often, what poses a problem is administration. »regrets Sophie Boucherot. Indeed, depending on their nationality, a student may be required to apply for a visa from the United States embassy. The closest is Paramaribo, Suriname. Last year, due to this visa requirement, out of 23 students, only 15 were able to go to New York.

Well aware of current events, the students fear that the arrival of Donald Trump in power will make things even more difficult for visa applications… Nevertheless, they continue to imagine this trip. « New York is a dream ! Obens blurted. Lhe first time I heard about the high school's international class was during a TV report about this trip. Gradually, I discovered this section and its interest. I would like to know American culture better and use my knowledge there. Everything makes me dream : New-York, la Californie…» Like Obens, Flavien is part of the car cleaning team. He puts down his rags for a moment.

“It’s really exciting to prepare for this exchange. I can't wait to see the Statue of Liberty, the beaches in Miami. I also really want to see how the Americans will react with the French. I play video games a lot and chat with people but I've never had any real-life experience.” Théophile, too, will discover the United States for the first time and shares the same excitement as his comrades. « This international section means more hours of classes and work, but I want to do some preparation and I think it will help me »testifies the high school student.

Further on, Nathanaël, Bathilde, Nour, Marjane and Chloé use the high-pressure cleaner to finish cleaning a car. ” Twenty ? Twenty-seven? » They don't even know how much they washed this morning. “It’s tiring under the sun, but there’s a good atmosphere, music. And it's worth it! It’s New York! »

New actions of this type will again be proposed by the students and an online prize pool will be opened allowing everyone to make a tax-deductible donation.