Les Ouvreurs, the association that also organizes the In&Out Film Festival, which is increasingly establishing itself as a reference in film programming, has also obtained academic approval for interventions in schools to prevent homophobia, combat discrimination, and address students’ emotional life.
It is the first association in Alpes-Maritimes to obtain this academic approval for an initiative to combat homophobia.
This approval “is a recognition of the quality and interest of the action conducted by an association, as well as the compliance of this action with the principles governing public education.” It notably validates the general interest nature of the proposed action and its complementarity with the educational programs.
It is granted by the rector for a period of five years, after mandatory advice from the competent council (Academic Council of Educational Associations).
Since 2008, Les Ouvreurs, in association with SIS Association (holder of NATIONAL APPROVAL granted on September 26, 2012), the French Mutual Insurance Company, and the MGEN, have offered a pedagogical action for cultural and civic awareness for the students of the Nice Academy.
These interventions, led on the ground by Les Ouvreurs and SIS Association, provide teachers with new tools for reflection on related themes: gender, sexualities, particularly homosexuality, combating discrimination and preventing homophobia, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others.
They are intended for a public of middle school students (9th grade), high school students (10th, 11th, 12th grades), and beyond (CPGE, IUT, BTS) and can be integrated into the themes addressed by official programs, particularly in History-Geography, Civic Education Legal and Social Education (ECJS), and Philosophy.
But above all, they respond to the general missions of the National Education system regarding raising awareness about fighting discrimination, reflecting on its consequences (suicide, distress, self-acceptance), and providing information about sex education.
The program offers, during school hours, workshops consisting of screenings of adapted films (short films published by INPES) followed by debates with specialized speakers.
The evaluation of these 5 years of interventions is very positive, as evidenced by the number and diversity of students sensitized and the enthusiasm of teaching staff for the project.
The initiative is also listed in the “ACT EDUC 06” catalog of the Alpes-Maritimes General Council and has received support from the ARS (Regional Health Agency) for the 2013-2014 action program.
