This Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 24 students from the citizenship class at Maurice Jaubert College are visiting the Ariane annex town hall. The objective is to better understand the roles of local elected officials and to become familiar with administrative procedures. This visit is part of a unique educational project.
For the sixth year, the citizenship class at Maurice Jaubert College offers a unique civic learning experience. This Tuesday, 24 seventh-grade students will visit the Ariane annex town hall to discover municipal services. Accompanied by Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum, Monique Bailet, and Hervé Caël, they will explore administrative procedures related to citizenship. They will learn about processes from birth to death, while enhancing their understanding of republican values.
An Active Citizenship Class for Six Years
The citizenship class at Maurice Jaubert College, created six years ago, raises awareness of republican values among seventh-grade students. “The aim is to have them visit institutions like the town hall, the police, or the fire brigade, so that they have a better understanding of citizenship and their rights,” explains Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum.
Civic Education Beyond the School Curriculum
The project goes well beyond the standard civic education program offered in schools. Students in this special class have a rich discovery journey. They receive interventions from the police. Firefighters also regularly intervene. Sometimes, army members also come. “It is a complementary project that adapts to the realities of sensitive urban areas, like here in Ariane. We offer them practical experiences and meetings that allow them to understand the importance of their role as citizens,” adds Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum.
The visit to the annex town hall allows students to concretely grasp the administrative procedures that mark a citizen’s life, from the birth declaration to death. “They will discover today how the town hall intervenes at each stage of a citizen’s life,” adds the deputy mayor.
Practical Skills for Adult Life
This educational outing aims to provide them with essential skills for their future life. “It is important that they know, from now on, how institutions like the town hall work, what they serve, and who runs them. This will serve them in their daily adult lives,” emphasizes Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum.
The students will thus have a clearer view of the procedures they will be required to carry out, whether to obtain official documents or participate in elections. These practical skills are tools that will enable them to actively engage in their community in the future.
Duty of Remembrance and Local Anchoring
Alongside these actions, the citizenship class participates in commemorative events, like those of November 11 and May 8. These significant moments enable them to better understand history and the role of collective memory. “The duty of remembrance is essential. By participating in commemorations, they become aware of the importance of the sacrifices made for France, notably by local figures like the Muslims who died for France, for whom a monument is located at the east cemetery,” explains Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum.
These initiatives strengthen their sense of belonging to the Republic. This helps them to weave connections between their family history and local heritage.
A Direct Impact on the Local Community
Beyond the knowledge gained, this initiative has a tangible impact on the Ariane community. “These young people feel valued and supported, which changes their view of their neighborhood and of themselves,” notes Fatima Khaldi-Bououghroum.
The results are already being felt. “We have observed a decrease in incivilities and violence, especially against firefighters. By reaching a student, we also reach their family, friends, and surroundings. This creates a virtuous circle that improves the neighborhood atmosphere,” she adds.
Training the Responsible Citizens of Tomorrow
This visit to the Ariane annex town hall is a step in the citizenship class project at Maurice Jaubert College. This enriching program helps students become active citizens, aware of their rights and duties. They develop a strong sense of belonging to the Republic and are proud to contribute to their community. They also perpetuate the duty of remembrance through this experience.
