Anchors: Marseille Volunteers’ Inspiring Trajectories
- MARSEILLE, France – The Anchoring forum recently convened in Marseille, spotlighting the contributions of French and international volunteers in fostering connections between France and the African continent.
- The second edition of the Anchoring forum,held at the Palais du Pharo on April 16,was initiated by entrepreneur Moussa Camarra,founder of Les Déterminés association,and Michèle Rubirola,the first assistant...
- In a video address, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the forum's role in encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skills transfer within partnerships with the African continent.
International volunteers Highlighted at Anchoring Forum in Marseille
MARSEILLE, France – The Anchoring forum recently convened in Marseille, spotlighting the contributions of French and international volunteers in fostering connections between France and the African continent. The event provided institutional recognition for the work of volunteer organizations.
The second edition of the Anchoring forum,held at the Palais du Pharo on April 16,was initiated by entrepreneur Moussa Camarra,founder of Les Déterminés association,and Michèle Rubirola,the first assistant too Marseille’s mayor. The forum received backing from the Ministry of Europe and French Foreign affairs, along with support from operators such as France Volunteers, the French Progress Agency, Business France, Expertise France, the French Institute, Bpifrance, and Manansa House of African worlds.
In a video address, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the forum’s role in encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skills transfer within partnerships with the African continent. He commended the work of France Volunteers on both continents.
Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with 15 volunteers mobilized by France volunteers from France, Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. These volunteers are involved in various programs, including Civic Service, VSI (Volontaire de Solidarité Internationale), CES (Congé d’Engagement solidaire), and JSI (Jeunesse et Solidarité Internationale).
forum Highlights Three Key Components
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Round Table: Engaging Through International Volunteering
A round table discussion, titled “Engaging through international volunteering, for projects carrying meaning, between Africa and France,” featured France Volunteers Director General Yann Delaunay. Delaunay urged aspiring volunteers to take action and encouraged organizations to create mission opportunities by involving international exchange and solidarity volunteers.
Oumaima Marir, a Moroccan civic service volunteer sent to France by Migration & Development and working with the Kleber social center (managed by the Teaching League-Federation of Bouches-du-Rhône) as part of a youth project supported by Secular Solidarity, shared her experiences. “International civic service is a precious opportunity that helps us to develop our skills and refine our look at the world,” Marir said.
Hugo Albouy, a former French international solidarity volunteer (VSI) recently returned from Mauritania, discussed his work within the decentralized cooperation of the South Region with its Mauritanian partners, the regions of Nouakchott and Brakna. “The volunteer builds bridges by bonds of trust between partners and makes it possible to promote dynamics of enduring projects,” Albouy stated.
Catherine Sabry pachot, co-founder and director of the Marseille-based Bokra Sawa association, which focuses on cultural cooperation projects across the Mediterranean, highlighted the skills acquired through cross-border mobility. “That we learn mainly on the ground,” she noted, encouraging organizations to mobilize volunteers to enhance their initiatives.
A representative from Bouches du Rhône department emphasized how international volunteering, through the “Voluntary Territories” program piloted by France Volunteers with support from the Ministry of Europe and French Foreign Affairs, energizes international cooperation. Kenyan volunteers are currently serving in France on missions related to Sports, Health, and Inclusion, working with the Municipal Miramas Sports Office. This project aligns with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, as the Kenyan delegation has trained in Miramas, fostering strong ties between the two regions.
The representative described volunteering as both a “purpose” and a “tool” for decentralized cooperation. “As a tool, international volunteering is a facility for having human resources and bridges to develop our cooperation,” she said. “Volunteers can work on cooperation projects and have a specific added value through the mastery of the language and knowledge of the foreign country.”
She added, “Volunteering is also an end in itself of decentralized cooperation as it meets objectives and values carried by the actors of cooperation: a local authority which makes decentralized cooperation seeks to create friendship links, past links, cultural, professional, economic exchanges with partner local authorities abroad. International volunteering generates and maintains these links through the journey of people and communities involved.”
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Workshop: The Commitment of Diasporas
A workshop organized by France Volunteers and the Forim – Solidarity Diasporas Network explored ”The commitment of diasporas: between belonging,inheritance and solidarity.” The discussion addressed identity and belonging, as well as the commitment of younger generations of diasporas and their potential to connect with their countries of origin. These insights will contribute to an ongoing study by Forim and France Volunteers,supported by F3E,examining the link between volunteers and diasporas in international solidarity efforts.
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France Volunteers Stand
The France Volunteers stand, located in the Agora village’s international mobility and engagement section, served as a hub for information and exchange about volunteering opportunities. Volunteers shared their experiences, inspiring forum visitors and engaging with over 200 individuals.
The Anchoring forum in Marseille showcased the positive impact of international volunteers, highlighting inspiring stories and concrete opportunities for young people from diasporas. The 3rd edition is anticipated in late 2025.
anchoring Forum in Marseille: A Deep Dive into International Volunteering & Cross-Continental Ties
The Anchoring Forum recently took place in Marseille, France, shining a spotlight on the crucial role of international volunteers in strengthening the bond between France and the African continent. This event offered a platform to recognize and support the work of volunteer organizations and the individuals who dedicate their time and skills to these vital initiatives.
What is the Anchoring Forum?
The Anchoring Forum is an event that brings together individuals and organizations involved in international volunteering and cooperation. It aims to celebrate the impact of volunteers, facilitate knowledge sharing, and encourage collaboration between France and African countries, wiht a key focus on fostering connection and partnership between both.
When and Where did the Second Edition Take Place?
The second edition of the Anchoring Forum was held at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille, France, on April 16th. this iconic location served as a fitting backdrop for discussions on such an important subject.
Who Organized the Anchoring forum?
The forum was initiated by Moussa Camarra, founder of the Les Déterminés association, and Michèle Rubirola, the first assistant to Marseille’s mayor. The event received crucial backing from the Ministry of Europe and French Foreign affairs, alongside operators like France Volunteers and others.
What Role Does Volunteering play in Strengthening Ties Between France and Africa?
International volunteering acts as a bridge, fostering understanding and collaboration. It allows for the sharing of knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences, essential for building strong, lasting relationships. Volunteering supports specific cooperation projects and creates friendship links through both the journey of individuals and communities involved.
What Kinds of Support Did the Anchoring Forum Receive?
The forum enjoyed the support of various organizations, including:
- Ministry of Europe and French Foreign Affairs
- France Volunteers
- French Progress Agency
- Buisness France
- Expertise France
- The French Institute
- Bpifrance
- Manansa House of African worlds
What Did French President Emmanuel Macron Say About Volunteerism?
In a video address, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the forum’s role in encouraging collaboration, the sharing of knowledge, and skills transfer within partnerships with the African continent. He commended the work of France Volunteers on both continents, recognizing the importance given by the French government to this kind of support.
What Initiatives Support International Volunteers?
several programs support international volunteers. Examples discussed at the forum included:
- Civic Service
- VSI (Volontaire de Solidarité Internationale)
- CES (Congé d’Engagement solidaire)
- JSI (Jeunesse et Solidarité Internationale)
What Were the Key Highlights of the Anchoring Forum?
The forum featured three key components:
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Round Table: Engaging Through International Volunteering
The round table, featuring individuals from France Volunteers, discussed the importance of international volunteering efforts that involve collaboration between Africa and France. several volunteers and members of the public shared personal stories.
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Workshop: The Commitment of Diasporas
This workshop explored the significance of diaspora’s commitment, focusing on belonging, inheritance, and the future role of younger generations.
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france Volunteers Stand
The France Volunteers stand was open for information and exchange on volunteering opportunities. Volunteers shared their experiences.
what Specific Examples of Volunteer Work Were Highlighted?
The forum showcased a variety of volunteer experiences, including:
- Oumaima Marir: A Moroccan civic service volunteer working with a social centre in France shared her experiences, highlighting the opportunities for skill development and broadening perspectives.
- Hugo Albouy: A former French VSI volunteer discussed his experience in Mauritania,showcasing the role of volunteers in building trust and promoting sustainable projects.
- Catherine Sabry pachot: Co-founder of the Marseille-based Bokra Sawa association highlighted the skills acquired through cross-border mobility.
How Does International Volunteering Benefit Decentralized Cooperation?
International volunteering provides human resources and facilitates the development of cooperation projects. It enables the submission of specific knowledge, languages, and a deep appreciation of foreign cultures. This leads to a local authority wich makes decentralized cooperation that seeks to create friendship links, past links, cultural, professional, and economic exchanges with partner local authorities abroad.
What Role did the Kenyan Volunteers Play?
Kenyan volunteers were serving in france on missions related to Sports, Health, and Inclusion, working with the Municipal Miramas Sports Office.. This initiative also helped align with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, which fostered strong ties between France and Kenya, as the Kenyan delegation trained in Miramas.
What Can People Learn from the Workshop on Diasporas?
The workshop organized by France Volunteers and the Forim - Solidarity Diasporas Network explored the commitment of diasporas.The discussion addressed identity and belonging, as well as the commitment of younger generations of diasporas and their potential to connect with their countries of origin.Key insights were shared, and results will contribute to an ongoing study by Forim and France Volunteers,supported by F3E,examining the link between volunteers and diasporas in international solidarity efforts.
Where Can People Find Information About Becoming a Volunteer?
The France Volunteers stand at the forum provided a hub for information. Aspiring volunteers can visit the France Volunteers website or contact similar organizations to learn about opportunities.
When Is the Next Anchoring Forum Expected?
The 3rd edition of the Anchoring Forum is anticipated in late 2025.
