First participatory council of Nice schoolchildren: what you need to know

On Friday, February 23, 2024, the first participatory council of children from four elementary schools in Nice took place.

Listening to children and encouraging their expression is the mission of the Participatory Council organized by the city of Nice. Each school is tasked with developing a project that requires the city’s services.

The students will present their project to the elected officials and municipal and metropolitan agents of the city of Nice. The Participatory Council allows for an exchange between children and elected officials on the feasibility of the proposed projects. It is noted that at least one change will be made before the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

At the end of this participatory council, the city officials awarded a medal to each representative of the four elementary classes in Nice. The projects suggested show that the four schools are concerned about the well-being and health of their students.

Concerns about the students’ health

Classes from Château School addressed the subject of smoking. The students wish to ban smoking in front of the school. “We want to be in a healthy environment,” emphasized one student. They propose setting up ashtrays outside, marking a non-smoking zone, among other things. At the end of their speech, it was agreed that the children would create posters about smoking, which the city would put up around the school.

Nikaïa School complained about the lack of space for children’s sports activities. Their request focuses on privatizing part of the green corridor or the Château park for sports activities. They also request a relaxation area for the children. The Participatory Council promises that this year it will negotiate to reserve a space for sports activities. Marie-Pierre Lazard states: “Seniors often engage in gentle sports activities; there is no reason children shouldn’t have access to them as well.”

Environmentally engaged children

The students of Ronchèse School decided to focus on environmental issues. They propose the installation of large wooden planters for their gardening course and outdoor libraries. The Participatory Council suggested ensuring the delivery of two book boxes for the outdoors, built by the city’s seniors. The Nice library even offered to donate books. For the rest of the requested facilities, the Council’s elected officials promised to forward the requests to national education.

Thérèse Roméo School, on the other hand, requests a bike and scooter parking area. The main argument centers on promoting physical and sports activities among the school’s students. “Riding a bike reduces CO2 emissions and traffic congestion.”