Eiffage Foundation: civic engagement and volunteering at cultural festivals for young people in difficulty in Occitania

The La Bénévolante association works to promote access to culture and civic engagement among young people registered with child welfare agencies or living in priority areas in Occitania. Every year, the association supports around 80 young volunteers at 11 festivals in the region. As well as developing their sense of civic engagement, they have the opportunity to discover professions in the culture and other sectors, and also meet professionals in fields that interest them. Since 2014, nearly 400 young people have volunteered through the scheme, with the support of volunteer educators and supervisors from the association. 70% of young people who participate in these festivals are happy to renew the experience. Throughout the year, La Bénévolante also offers access to culture for 24 young people thanks to outings organised each month.

This year, due to the cancellation of cultural festivals taking place over the summer, La Bénévolante has adapted its approach and is organising two mini field trips based around the circus and a volunteer project for 18 young people. The association should resume its activities in September and October, taking young people to 4 festivals that for the moment haven’t been cancelled.

The Eiffage Foundation is helping to purchase equipment to improve the facilities for hosting the young people on these field trips.
Project sponsor Delphine Saint Paul, HR director for the Occitania area at Eiffage Energie Systèmes, also offers young people the opportunity to discover professions within the Group.

For more information about the association click