Each year some seven per cent of school leavers in France find themselves at great educational, social and professional disadvantage. The three different worlds, three different cultures, of the Armed Forces have come together to offer their experience, means and know-how to young people in an effort to halt the spiral of decline in which many are caught up. The EPIDe, a state organisation that grew out of nothing some two years ago, is beginning to produce results in this field. At a moment when a plan to help the ‘sensitive’ suburbs, the banlieues, has been announced, it seems interesting to take a first look at what this very worthwhile scheme has achieved.
Defence, a Second Chance
Of the 800,000 young French people who participate in the annual defence registration and preparation day (JAPD), 60,000 cannot read or write. Some of these are simply academic failures; others are on the way to social exclusion, and there is a lack of organisations able to assist in their social and vocational integration.
In his policy speech in June 2005, the Prime Minister announced a social cohesion plan to halt the vicious spiral of decline of our youth. A state administrative organisation entitled ‘the public establishment for the integration of defence’ (EPIDe) was created by the Law of 2 August 2005.
In view of its experience the Ministry of Defence immediately volunteered to run the project, in partnership with the Ministry of Employment, Social Cohesion and Housing, which provides the finance. The Ministry of National Education provided its expertise and resources.
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