Since storm Alex swept through the Alpes-Maritimes on October 2nd, the City of Nice has implemented a program called “Learning Camps.” The aim is to welcome children from the affected communities during the October holidays.
The City of Nice continues its efforts to address the consequences of storm Alex. Beyond the destroyed homes, power outages, and families affected by the natural disaster, the situation of children is of paramount importance. For many, the All Saints’ Day holidays are already ruined. Fortunately, the city is officially launching its new initiative: “Learning Camps”. This program’s mission is to host children from affected families free of charge during these autumn holidays.
A camp as a vacation
To assist the children of families impacted by the storm, the Nice city council is launching the “Learning Camps” operation. This is being organized in partnership with the collective Ensemble Sublimons l’Animation (ESA) and the Departmental Directorate of Social Cohesion and Youth and Sports. Its main goal is to welcome children living in the affected valleys during the All Saints’ Day holidays. More than twenty young people, up to 17 years old, will participate in leisure activities devised by the childhood and animation service staff.
Educational courses, activities, canteen, rooms… Everything is set up for the children to have an enjoyable stay. It is also a great way to make them forget the problems and challenges caused by storm Alex. “This program allows children to discover, through games, autonomy, culture, sports, sustainable development, and the city. We have a truly diverse range of activities that offer children a holiday camp experience,” says Deputy Mayor Jean-Luc Gagliolo, responsible for Education, Books, Combating Illiteracy, and Nice Identity.
The proposed activities
Sports, culture, sustainable development… The proposed activities are set within an educational framework. The objective is to impart knowledge, skills, and well-being through fun and engaging games. A very important asset for the physical and psychological development of the child. Each child will participate in activities chosen according to the age group of the group.
“We have mobilized to offer children a real quality time of animation, explains Benjamin Haupaix, coordinator of the ESA collective. Every child from the valleys who wants to register should have a place.” Up to 150 children can be accommodated over the 15 days of school holidays. Five days, sometimes extended to the following week, to clear their minds and reconnect with other children. “The idea is also to be there for children who don’t have a jacket, toothbrush, or other essentials. We’ve deployed all the resources needed to meet the children’s needs,” Benjamin confirms.
