Faced with the glaring lack of solutions for children with disabilities and their families, two specialized educators, Marine and Camille, decided to act. Through their brand new association Entr'Ouvrir, they are convinced of creating a “cocooning” place of support, accompaniment and meetings. But the project already faces serious obstacles.
In the Alesian basin, families of children with disabilities face a daily battle. The reception structures are saturated, and the support systems are largely insufficient. “These families are often left to their own devices, without support, with no one to turn to”deplores Marine Cogoluègnes, educator specializing in liberal arts. With Camille, her colleague, they have long witnessed this distress. Faced with this observation, they decided to join forces.
Marine and Camille are the founders of the Entr'ouverture association. • Louis Valat
The Entr'Ouvrir association is their concrete and human response to this lack of resources and solidarity. “We saw how much families needed a place where they would be listened to, welcomed and supported”explains Marine. In the field, the two educators helplessly witness repeating situations: children without a suitable solution, forced to stay at home because there is no place in specialized establishments. Over time, they lose what they have learned, whether in learning or social interactions. “These children end up becoming desocialized, and when a place in a medical-educational institute (IME) ends up becoming available, it is often too late, they are no longer able to join a group”regret the two women.
Create a link
To meet these emergency needs, the association created just a few weeks ago wants to offer educational workshops focused on managing emotions, social skills, or even activities such as cooking or dance therapy. According to the two professionals, these would be essential moments for children to reconnect with themselves and others. “We want to offer a stimulating, but above all caring, environment where everyone can develop at their own pace”explains Marine Cogoluègnes.
The logo of the association. • DR
Parents could finally take a breather since the association is planning discussion groups, moments of respite, and awareness sessions on subjects such as the impact of screens. Everything has been designed to provide them with overall support. “The use of screens often becomes a crutch for these families who no longer know how to manage the situation. But it can be very harmful for the development of these already fragile children”however, recalls Marine Cogoluègnes.
A project held back by lack of resources
However, this great idea comes up against a major problem, which is recurring in projects of this type: the lack of premises. The association needs a suitable space, with separate rooms for workshops, a kitchen, and a sensory room. But at this stage, the search for a location remains fruitless. “We asked other associations for loans of premises, but it’s complicated”admit specialized educators. Entr'Ouvrir has launched an online fundraiser, but the collection is progressing slowly. The necessary equipment, particularly for the sensory workshops, also represents a big investment for the two women. “A simple multisensory mat, bubble columns, or suitable lighting cost a fortune”confides Marine. Despite grant applications submitted everywhere, funding is slow. “We are being told about budgetary restrictions, but in the meantime, these are children who remain without a solution”sighs the educator after contacting the secretary of the departmental advisors, among others.
A call for solidarity
Despite the pitfalls, Marine and Camille do not give up. These two educators, reluctant to give up, are aiming to launch the first activities in January 2025, with two half-days planned each week. One dedicated to discussion groups for parents, the other to educational workshops for children. But everything depends on the possibility of finding suitable premises and the necessary financial resources. In the meantime, the two educators are calling for solidarity. “Even a small gesture can make a difference”underlines Marine, determined to advance their cause. With this project, Marine and Camille hope to offer a breath of hope to families, often overwhelmed by administrative complexities and isolation. “They really feel abandoned, lost, without support. We leave them facing endless files, complex requests… It’s so complicated that some end up giving up”they lament. A situation that pushes the two founders to persevere, well aware of the impact that their initiative could have.
To make a donation to the Entr'Ouvrir association, go here.
CONTACT
To contact Marine and Camille, the Entr'Ouvrir association can be reached by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 06 66 89 14 00 / 07 44 56 44 14.
