FDJ United: 435 High School Students in Marseille Integrated into the 'Lycées Pro'Solidaires' Program Since 2021
The FDJ United Foundation has marked the closure of the fourth cohort of its 'Lycées Pro'Solidaires' program aimed at vocational schools in the northern districts of Marseille. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has integrated 435 high school students into a journey that combines a local solidarity project and an educational trip abroad.
A Program Focused on Project Development and Mobility
The 'Lycées Pro'Solidaires' program is based on two main pillars: the design and execution of a solidarity project in the first year, followed by the organization of an educational trip abroad in the final year. Students engage in preparatory workshops that include public speaking coaching led by a journalist, before presenting their project to a panel of professionals. The supported projects have addressed various issues such as supporting children with disabilities, aiding children in cancer remission, or organizing playful activities for socially disadvantaged children. Each selected class receives a maximum grant of 3,000 euros to realize their project, plus an additional budget for the trip depending on the chosen destination.
Gradual Expansion Across Six Schools
Initially launched as a pilot at La Viste high school in 2021 with twelve students, the program has gradually expanded. In 2022, La Calade joined the initiative with 48 new participants. The year 2023 saw the addition of a third school, La Floride, with 84 more students. Since the start of the 2024 academic year, Le Chatelier, L'Estaque, and Jean Monnet high schools have joined the network, bringing the annual student count to 144. In total, 435 students have joined the program since its launch, with 288 having completed it. The fourth cohort welcomed this year included students from seven Marseille classes and one from Vitrolles.
Measured Impact: Self-Esteem and Citizenship Improvement
According to evaluations conducted by Kimso on the first two cohorts, 94% of participants report feeling capable of accomplishing things they would not have believed possible before the program. Additionally, 82% have improved their public speaking skills, 85% felt useful to others and society, 91% became aware of their capacity to act, and 100% are proud of having completed a project. The FDJ United Foundation, active for over 30 years in promoting equal opportunities for vulnerable populations, aims through this program to enable young people from disadvantaged vocational school backgrounds to develop active citizenship and explore horizons beyond their immediate environment.
