Crossing the Moroccan desert for two students from Foix, these two future school teachers are participating in the 4L Trophy

From February 19 to March 2, Camille and Nina will be busy traveling the Moroccan, Spanish and French roads. With a beautiful desert crossing as a bonus. Indeed, during the school holidays, these two students from the Foix campus participate in the 4L Trophy; a solidarity car raid reserved for young people under 28 and run in a Renault 4.

These two girls, who are destined to become school teachers, will abandon their second year of master’s studies at the National Higher Institute of Teaching and Education. The opportunity was too good, although it did not count towards their curriculum.

A large budget to build up

“It’s a student rally, we found out about it through word of mouth. We knew someone who had done it ten years ago. The 4L was loaned to us We set up the project which has a link with our studies, because we are going to go to schools for humanitarian work, to meet the children”, says Nina, originally from Toulouse.

But if the car is available, it must also be equipped to drive in the sand and constitute a nice little budget. The demonstration does not joke with the donations imposed for Moroccan children: two schoolbags full of supplies, 10 kg of food, 10 liters of water, sports equipment. The forecast budget turns out to be €8,770, but “we estimate that from €6,500, we can leave without any out-of-pocket costs”.

So far, the two young girls have collected €3,000 and received donations of school materials. “Donations are easier to obtain from companies than money,” they noted. Very positive, they approach sponsors, and set up events to earn some money. A raffle will be organized in December on the internet, and a lottery open to everyone will take place at the Foix university center in January, the date has not yet been set.

Five days in the desert with a compass

The car is almost adapted to desert roads. The rear seat will be removed to install all the equipment. Elements will be installed to support the sand and above all prevent a grain from damaging the mechanics. The two participants must also follow training courses to repair the car in the event of a breakdown. “We are fairly supervised and we shouldn’t stray from the road, but anything can happen,” concedes Nina, designated driver.

The goal of the 4L Trophy is to connect the assembly points every evening with as few kilometers as possible. “GPS is not allowed. We have a road book and a compass. We are going to spend five days in the desert. I know we have to be careful not to get stuck in the sand but it is also a rally where everyone helps each other,” says co-pilot Camille.

Every day, the girls will take photos and videos that they will post on an Instagram account. When returning to the faculty, feedback with other students is planned by the campus manager.

The race will be supported by solidarity actions with the deposit of food and school supplies with the Enfants du Désert association and the French Red Cross. “These two partners will take care of the redistribution.” Visits to schools are also planned. Camille and Nina will also apply for other meetings with Moroccan children. A few participants will be selected to spend special, and surely stronger, moments with them.

The departure will be given on February 19 for the two girls, who will leave Toulouse for Biarritz, then Spain and Morocco. The Ariège flowered 4L, with the name “les Ptites écolelières”, will try to make a beautiful path in the dunes.