The Escale association celebrated its 20th anniversary on the Promenade du Paillon. Cap Jeunesse and the social center Le Village, were also taking care of the young people present. A concert livened up the afternoon on Wednesday.
L’Escale
The event aimed to promote “L’Escale,” especially to the young audience it targets. It supports those aged 11-25 and their parents. This is why they decided to organize a concert. The anonymous and free reception point provides guidance, prevention, assists in various procedures, and informs about activities and training. Financial assistance for obtaining a driving license is offered to many young people (non-taxable families). It’s possible to make an appointment with a psychologist, or consult without appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm.
The psychologist provided us with additional information. The psychology service was closed during the lockdowns. Upon reopening, it saw an increase in attendance, which later stabilized. People in need are still being followed. Some were anxious and no longer wanted to go out. The most affected were already “mentally fragile.”
The increase in precarious situations has resulted in many social requests, but there is nothing new. The demand from young people remains significant.
Social Center “Le Village”
Ahmed represents the “Youth Info Space,” where he serves as a coordinator, located at the Ariane social center. “Le Village,” which has existed for 13 years, aims to “create and implement actions with the neighborhood residents,” to “create connections.”
“Youth Info Space” provides “general orientation,” offers help with projects, mobility, obtaining a driving license, creating a CV, a cover letter, and starting to look for a job.
Ahmed communicates about this space on social networks so that more young people use its services. Instagram works best. You can also find information on the aids available to young people, or on events, good deals, and educational awareness of various topics.
The center’s missions are diverse: “to strengthen social ties,” “to facilitate the autonomy of individuals and their integration,” and “to support the exercise of citizenship.” Partners intervene for various services and consultations. An expression space exists for members. The “Information and Support Center for Women and Families’ Rights” has a psychological support consultation. The “Senior Information and Support Service” provides information on access to rights. The “Social and Proximity Information Service” and the “ENIPSE association” (which conducts HIV tests) also intervene.
“Cap Jeunesse”
“Cap Jeunesse” is the “Youth Info Office of Nice.” It was present to introduce itself, provide information concerning youth, notably on employment, civic service, and housing. The association merged with “Agis 06,” a socially-oriented real estate agency that wished to publicize itself.
The “Cap Jeunesse” team consists of only two people, present at the event to tell us more. Since the target audience is the same as that of “L’Escale,” the Office could promote its services. It offered ludic activities like a fake news hunt, “the youth compass,” and a quiz. People who visit the premises already know it and have “a good reason” to come, according to the team.
They mainly seek information about housing or orientation. Some periods, like the start of the school year or the end of the year, have “specific demands.”
Many popular workshops and activities are organized, like “breakfast for business creation,” an “improvisation theater” to practice speaking orally, or two weeks dedicated to international mobility. It’s also possible to consult a sophrologist.
“The demand has diversified” online, with new online services created during the first lockdown. This was beneficial for the Youth Info Office, which “bounced back well” and notably gained followers on social networks.
Smoothie Bike Animation by Innov Events
“Innov Events” is a French network of event agencies, which has bikes to “pedal to mix your smoothie” or soup, depending on the season.
This animation was very successful. It allows participants to do a bit of sport and consume fruits (or vegetables if it’s soup in winter). They were happy to get a free juice and to have made it themselves.
The agency explained that it wanted to “combine usefulness with pleasure” by creating this type of bike. It offers this “innovative concept” for evenings, wellness days, or “AfterWork” events, for example. The season of fruits and vegetables is respected if possible.
“Innov Events” works with many companies and was requested by “L’Escale” to animate the day.
Graphic Design Workshop
The street artist César Malfi came to share his passion. He was invited by Jennifer-Salles Barbosa, deputy delegate for solidarity and AnimaNice, and Vice-President of the Communal Social Action Center of the City of Nice. César Malfi initiated the children and teenagers to “graffiti,” and they were delighted. He knew “L’Escale” by name and had worked with the rapper Maskit. The artist liked the event and the ambiance. You can find his frescoes during exhibitions or on his Instagram account.
The Concert
In the early afternoon, Syka James kicked off the festivities by singing pop music. Next, it was Maskit’s and High Low’s turn with hip-hop.
Maskit is a specialized educator and “tries to live his passion” at the same time. He works at “L’Escale,” which asked him to join this birthday celebration by organizing a concert. He invited young people he met during a writing workshop, which he greatly enjoys. He told us that “it’s challenging to make a living from music,” so he combines the two, and it suits him. The rapper was happy to be there, as was his audience.
High Low was invited by Maskit, with whom he performs concerts. It was a pleasure for him to be home in Nice. He greatly enjoyed the event. Being a schoolteacher, he is beginning to make a local name for himself, thanks to the shows. Maskit and High Low will perform in Antibes on November 27th and February 26th.
The Audience’s Opinion
Most people interviewed were there “by chance,” to pass the time, stroll around, or listen to the concert. The music attracted the crowd, including foreign tourists like German ladies Lilli and Louisa.
The former director Jacques Hebrard and former manager Brigitte, who “created L’Escale,” attended the celebration. At the time, the creation brought together the Departmental Council, the hospital, and National Education. For Brigitte, it’s “useful to young people and should be developed.” “It is crucial to adapt to the evolution of society, to the expectations of young people.” The retirees are proud that the association still exists and were cordially invited.
Two “Herba Life” employees enjoyed the event and tried the bike. They didn’t know the organizing association.
Mélissa came with her three children to listen to the rap. They had a pleasant time without being informed in advance. She regrets that the organization was not communicated more on social networks.
Sonia accompanied a “group of middle schoolers” who had participated in a “writing workshop with rapper Maskit.” One of them, Amine, found it “very welcoming” and particularly liked the smoothie activity and the concert. The chaperone wanted to introduce “L’Escale” to the young people who had been invited. She believes more associative events like this should be organized.
Many “middle and high school students” were present since it was a Wednesday, but also their “parents” and “seniors.” Jeanne, a retiree, enjoyed the show and had fun.
Students from Risso College took the stage to try rapping. Vanessa, who was getting off work, found it was good to give “young people the opportunity to express themselves” and to be heard. She also heard music from afar and went to listen. She considers it “a good initiative with great energy.”
Shirley reconnected with “former students” of Risso who had participated in the “eloquence contest” last year, in the third grade. Samuel Maskit “assists in writing students’ speeches” and often visits the college. Moreover, he made a video clip to say “no to bullying,” in addition to the writing workshops. According to her, the rapper “deserves to be known.” The teacher was pleased that passersby could discover the “work of her students” who have a lot to say. She knew the association through the school, which allowed her to meet Maskit. She highlights the importance of the project, which helps prepare them for oral exams. Middle school students are aware of the services they can benefit from thanks to the associations working with teachers. Grateful that these young people’s voices are heard, Shirley indicates they are touched by “very important” subjects. The new generation benefits from the help it needs.
