LE MANS 2 – Social and cultural animations in the district

Project:
It has been 6 years now since the Normandie-Maine Concordia regional office settled in the popular neighborhood of Le Mans called Les Sablons. The goal of its establishment was the creation of various volunteering projects as part of the social development of the city. Indeed, it would open this neighborhood to an international scale through the creation of a real dynamic in which local inhabitants and youth would get involved. Concordia has been organizing international workcamps for the past 3 years in order to develop local activities for the kids and inhabitants of the neighborhood. Last year’s workcamps were very successful and were the opportunity to organize a beautiful block party at the end of the project. This year, we want to renew the experience by organizing 2 camps during summer, in close partnership with the educational team and specialized prevention team of Les Sablons and the Youth Service of Le Mans. This year, we would develop a partnership with Palestinian organizations. So, we will be hosting a group of young Palestinians in this workcamp.

Work:
The workcamp of August will consist in the organization of animations in the district with the local kids and inhabitants. It will allow the valorization of their artistic and cultural abilities. This workcamp will enable the youth of Les Sablons to take part in free activities organized in the heart of their neighborhood and to become aware of intercultural meetings and international commitment. A particular attention will be paid to the participation of the residents, local organisations and the youth in the creation of activities to develop local events.

Accommodation and food:
You will be sharing a collective accommodation in 2 flats in the neighborhood, with basic living
conditions. There will be rooms of 4 or 5 people with mattresses provided by Concordia. The
group will be sharing the cleaning chores and preparing meals together. The budget will be
allocated to the group leader and you will participate in the preparation of dishes with good
products from the market and local producers. Bring your sleeping-bag with you.

Location and activities:
Le Mans (143000 inhabitants) is located in the West of France. It is the administrative center of the Sarthe county, in the Pays de La Loire region (50 min from Paris, and 1h30 from Nantes by train). You will have time to discover the city. Le Mans is a beautiful art and history city, it is the third one of the Pays de la Loire region when it comes to culture and tourism. The old city center is surrounded by Roman walls and the most recent renovation works organized to preserve the oldest parts of Le Mans have helped to enhance its local heritage. Two rivers cross the city which has been named one of France greenest cities. There we can find various parks and gardens, in addition to the two big forests bordering the city. During summer, many festivals and events are organized, such as “La Nuit des Chimères” which highlights the historical heritage of the town. At night, the walls of the cathedral and monuments of the old city become projection screens. A must see! For more information about the city: www.lemans.fr

Special requirements and remarks:
This project is supported by the OFAJ, the French-German Youth Office. Some volunteers
from France - Germany – Palestine may be eligible to have their travel costs supported on
the presentation of original receipts.
Volunteers should be interested in child/youth animation and come with ideas (original
games, outdoor activities, workshops about recycling and materials recovery…).
Don’t forget your sleeping bag!

Meeting point:
Le Mans train station.