Toulouse: lack of resources, a teacher opens an online kitty to organize a school trip
Géraldine Plumecocq, teacher at the Gallieni high school in Toulouse, wants to create a school trip for her vocational baccalaureate “vehicle maintenance” students. The objective would be to encourage these young people, for some from disadvantaged neighborhoods “to continue their studies and gain self-confidence”. An online kitty has been opened, but collects few donations.
“These young people have abilities, are intelligent, have a critical mind, but have never traveled,” regrets Géraldine Plumecocq. This Literature and History teacher from the Gallieni high school in Toulouse, moves heaven and earth to create a school trip for her final year students in the professional vehicle maintenance baccalaureate. That is 32 students, divided into two classes.
But, unable to benefit from a helping hand from the local authorities, Géraldine Plumecocq is forced to seek, on her own, all the financing that would make it possible to boost this project, the cost of which amounts to 12,000 euros. And for good reason, the methods of financing school trips to vocational high schools are not the same as those of the general streams. “These projects are mainly financed by families, as well as by the regions. But we do not fit into any category that will allow us to benefit from this aid”, she laments. Thus, the teacher redoubles her effort and imagination to collect the necessary donations. An online kitty was introduced at the beginning of December, but hasn’t really taken off so far.
Encourage students to embark on higher education
“A third of these students come from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Preventing these students, some of whom are in social classes, from taking a trip is a double penalty! “, she announces. On the program of this trip, which would be held in April in Hauts-de-France: visits to electric motor manufacturing plants (Toyota), coal mines, and many other activities which, according to her , will encourage these young people to continue their studies.
“Only 6 students intend to go to BTS. However, everyone has the ability! Confidence in oneself and in the future is therefore at the heart of this project,” explains the professor, filled with determination. “I’m going to struggle to get in touch with Nadia Pellefigue, (vice-president of the Occitanie region in charge of higher education and research Ed), as well as the European Social Fund”, she slips.
The kitty is available at: https://trousseaprojets.fr/projet/5018-les-gallieni-s-chez-les-chti-s