In France, the ESPER, a partner of the ESN, invites teachers and their pupils to create an entrepreneurial project with a social value, supporting them along the way. Launched in 2016, the ‘My Social and Solidarity Economy Enterprise at School’ initiative is aimed at secondary school and college pupils and has already involved 2500 young people and 200 education professionals throughout France.
The goal of the initiative is to introduce pupils to the structures, principles and values of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) through a temporary project with a social value – in particular an association or cooperative. This collective and cooperative project uses active teaching methods which are tailored to the SSE learning objectives and teaches pupils how to exercise their democratic and economic citizenship.
Each enterprise is unique as it relates to local needs and resources and uses pupils’ own skills. These projects are an occasion to experiment and offer pupils their first chance to use their knowledge and skills for the common interest. The ESPER supports the creation of these enterprises by offering teaching materials and monitoring the projects via its network of SSE professionals. Further information here. (FR)
