In front of a large crowd, the local mission of Moulins “Objectif Jeunes Côte d’Azur” was inaugurated by the officials of Nice’s institutions. This proximity branch was created to welcome young people seeking employment and/or training under the best conditions.
Its purpose is to provide reception, information, guidance, and support to help young people aged 16 to 25 solve all the issues related to their social and professional integration. “We are all equal citizens. Everyone should have the same opportunity,” admits Christian Estrosi. This opportunity must be seized, which means “making the necessary effort to find a job,” warns Eric Djamakorzian, the sub-prefect of Alpes-Maritimes. “It is not possible to complain without making a minimum effort.”
However, it seems that efforts are sometimes not enough.
“Not the right profile”
A group of young people from the neighborhood were invited to discuss with the Mayor of Nice, the president of the local mission, and the sub-prefect. Several of them shared their experiences and highlighted the racial discrimination they face when looking for a job. “My name is Loïc Barlat and I am mixed race,” this young man calls out. “I am registered with about ten temp agencies and each time I am told that I do not have the right profile,” he admits. “I have submitted over two hundred CVs,” expresses a woman. “I haven’t received a single response, neither positive nor negative. No one lets us have a trial. They do not allow us to prove what we can do,” she asserts, more determined than ever.
The local mission helps young people to create their own business
Thanks to the local mission of the city, four young people from Nice were able to create their company, Delta Sun, specialized in photovoltaic panels: “Each of us worked in sales or in electrical work,” explains Thomas Xavier. “The local mission put us in contact with competent people and helps us to develop. Since November, my home has served as our premises, but we hope to have one by June to hire and be more productive.”
As Dominique Estrosi-Sassone said, “with desire, everything is possible.”
