It's back-to-school time, with all its new supplies and playground reunions. But even in France, some children remain invisible: those who grow up in the slums, for whom school may remain a distant horizon...
What is a slum?
A shantytown is an encampment built of makeshift materials, with no guaranteed access to water, electricity or sanitation. These places are home to families living in extreme precariousness, often on the bangs of public services.
The children we support in France's shantytowns with our Chemins d'Enfances program belong to families with diverse backgrounds, mainly from Romania and Bulgaria, many of them looking for work. Often confused with "travellers", these families are sedentary, but often forced to move as evictions take place.
The battle for the school
For children living in these conditions, schooling remains a constant challenge.
" Every new school year is a battle to enroll even one child in school. "says Nathalie Bourguignon, head of the 91 branch of the Acina association, which helps slum dwellers gain access to rights, housing and schooling.
" Between lack of administrative papers, repeated expulsions and the language barrier, many find themselves deprived of this fundamental right. "
These obstacles are compounded by day-to-day difficulties: in some camps, children stop going to school because they are harassed (their hygiene is sometimes mocked), or because an eviction takes them away from their school. " Sometimes, parents want to keep their children in school, but they have to travel more than 40 km to reach their home school. ", explains Estera, social worker for Acina. " Our role is to mediate with the schools, which are often understanding. "
Play as a bridge
To maintain the link with learning, Planète Enfants & Développement and Acina offer educational workshops.
" The children we meet are eager to learn, but living conditions make it all the more difficult. "says Morgane Cam, edutainment project manager for Planète Enfants & Développement. " Through our workshops, we recreate a space for play and learning that restores confidence. "
These workshops are organized in partnership with Acina. While the children take part in the activities, the social workers take the opportunity to meet the parents, present the steps they can take, and create a climate of trust.
" The children are still looking forward to the next workshops "Estera smiles. " It's a new lease of life for them, and also a time when families feel recognized, because someone is coming especially for them. "
Stories to remember
Estera's work is also made up of vivid memories: " I remember one little girl who was so afraid of going to school that she hid, convinced that she would be forced. She finally agreed to give it a try, and today she happily goes to class and speaks French. "
These small victories are a reminder of the importance of a regular presence in the field. " Communication is essential "Estera insists. " As I speak Romanian, it's easier for families to confide their worries to me, and that makes all the difference. "
Local initiatives from Paris to Bordeaux
In the Paris region, we work with Acina to help children and their families gain access to school. In Bordeaux, we have launched a partnership with the Eurrom association, which promotes the social and professional integration of slum dwellers. Two workshops a week are organized to promote socialization, language and self-confidence.
Back to school for all?
While the start of the new school year is a time of discovery for most children, it is also a reminder of the reality of those who are excluded. The initiatives of Planète Enfants & Développement, in partnership with Acina and Eurrom, offer a glimpse of normalcy in the midst of a difficult daily routine.
Because every child, whatever his or her family's situation, must be able to look forward to a bright future.
