At the beginning of the week, a ceremony marked the end of a journey for 89 middle school students involved in the Cadets of Defense program. This initiative has been supported by the Department since 2018, to promote citizenship, diversity, and openness to the military world.
The ceremony was held in the presence of several elected officials and State representatives. Joëlle Arini, Vice President of the Department in charge of Education, represented Charles Ange Ginésy. She was accompanied by Jéhane Bensedira, Sub-prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Éric Ciotti, Deputy and President of the Department’s Finance Commission, and Alexandra Martin, Deputy and Departmental Councilor.
Through this initiative, the Alpes-Maritimes Department continues its commitment to education and citizenship. The Cadets of Defense program is part of the Ministry of Armed Forces’ “Equality of Opportunity” Plan. It is aimed at young people aged 14 to 16, with objectives of strengthening cohesion, introducing them to the military world, and promoting republican values.
89 voluntary middle school students in 2025
Since its creation in the department in 2018, 466 middle school students have participated. This year, there were 89, divided among three structures. In Puget-Théniers, 24 students from Auguste-Blanqui and Ludovic-Bréa middle schools were supervised by the local gendarmerie and the High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon. The Cannes area welcomed 35 students from several schools. Finally, in Nice, 30 students joined the program, which was established in 2021.
At the end of the year, each young participant received a diploma. A symbolic moment that recognizes their engagement.
Charles Ange Ginésy addressed them with a message: “I warmly congratulate the 89 Cadets of Defense who are formally awarded their diplomas today. The values of respect, loyalty, courage, honor, and fraternity that they uphold form the foundation of active citizenship and a united nation. They are the heirs of a commitment, the bearers of living memory, and of quiet courage. These young people embody determination and solidarity. They join the 466 middle school students who have proudly worn the uniform and embraced the values of the Cadets of Defense since 2018! I want to thank the supervisors, especially gendarme Yann Lopez, Lieutenant Colonel Ghislain Margez, and Captain Robert Dossmann, for this amazing year that concludes today.”
