“In the world of disability, places are quite austere” explains Jérôme Stioui, who opened in September 2023, "Le village des enfants extraordinaires", a 1200m2 space located in the Paris suburbs, to welcome children with disabilities.
Initially, there was a realization: the couple, parents of a daughter with a disability, quickly noticed that there were few - if any - suitable places for their child.
A disheartening observation for parents who know how vital it is to stimulate their child through various activities: “As soon as you find a medium that appeals to your different child, you will have the ability to 'light them up' and allow them to learn without realizing it” explains the founder of this place specifically designed for children's awakening.
In France, between 100,000 and 300,000 children with disabilities cannot attend school and are therefore sent to specialized institutions that, unfortunately, do not have enough space for everyone.
As a result, they are forced to spend their days at home, which quickly creates a form of isolation.
Thanks to this place - which the couple wants to be extraordinary and inclusive - families can enjoy special moments with their child while providing them with playful and creative learning.
Since its creation, the number of applications has skyrocketed. To date, 60 families are welcomed, with 400 still waiting. The structure currently lacks the means to accommodate all the children: “The actual cost to host a family is about 6000 euros per year. Meanwhile, families pay around 400 euros.” Indeed, the young association relies on the grants it receives. Some families even come from afar to benefit from this unique space in France.
Three and a half million euros and four years of construction were needed to create this unique place “to help as many families excluded from society as possible.” In the long term, the couple's ambition is to open as many places like this as possible throughout the country.
If you wish to deepen your knowledge on this topic: https://www.airzen.fr/roubaix-cette-creche-accueille-enfants-valides-et-polyhandicapes/
