“We advocate for the idea that every young person, regardless of their background, origin, or life circumstances, should dedicate a year of their journey to the common good and engagement” explains Raphaëlle Blache.
The association has been working for 30 years to make civic service a mandatory step in every young person's life.
In the Rhône-Alpes region, Unis-Cité offers eight-month missions on a wide range of themes. These various civic services allow 16 to 25-year-olds to participate in concrete actions that inspire them to take action and engage in causes they care about.
Additionally, the association implements “peer-to-peer” actions, which involve creating exchange sessions among young people. “These are young people talking to other young people, not using professional jargon. And they are able to convey messages where traditional prevention might not reach its target,” notes Raphaëlle.
One of these missions focuses on money management: “Let’s Talk Cash” encourages students to understand the importance of managing their budget, regardless of their financial aid: “We realize that entering the workforce is a real turning point; depending on one's family context and background, new responsibilities must be managed.”
Beyond budget management, Raphaëlle emphasizes that these sessions also help young people become aware of their rights.
In short, Unis-Cité supports young people in finding their professional path, respecting their desires and personal commitment.
