Student Mobility: the experience of a sending center

How was this first mobility of students to Europe experienced both in the center and in the surrounding area?

At first many did not believe in the experience of mobility. Even the teachers, since it’s the first time. But with the first mobility, they gained confidence with the project. Students who have done this feel more reassured. Like they know what Europe is (in their case Italy).

From the surroundings, we feel a certain notoriety, we have received credit for it.

How was the student preparation process?

The arrival of Italian peers and the coordination team with us was a great asset in the preparation of the students.

Apart from the visits we made to the chancelleries, we had many meetings with students and parents to prepare them for this trip.

We have insisted a lot on the fact that the failure in relation to this first experience is likely to affect the rest of the project, and will have repercussions on all of Ivory Coast, since we are the sample from which the project will find place in the Ivory Coast. And I believe it paid off.

How did you follow the mobility? Did the students or accompanying teacher share their experiences with you?

We have created a platform between us and we call each other and discuss everything that should be done. Each proposal is made to me first before its realization. From the preparation to the trip I was with them, all the way to the airport to reassure them since for the whole group it was their first time to fly and travel a long distance.

In short, even if I was far away, I was aware of all the activities that were going on. They called me (students as a guide) or I called them.

What would you remember from this experience? Was there anything they said to you that surprised you or you particularly liked?

It was a very nice experience, whatever we the trainers did, the students did too. The first thing we noticed (especially among the students) was the openness they emphasized from us. They were amazed by our welcome and the proximity of the students from Italy.

They were marked, above all, by the training received, especially the matter of electrical installations with alarms, the home automation.

The visits have done them good as well as the experience of the cold.

In short, I would say that this experience opened their eyes to the reality of Europe and it seems that they have become more used to it. We can easily count on them to make their comrade aware of the situation of Europe.

What do you think will be the impact of this type of mobility in your center?

As I said before, the project itself has, even before starting mobility, boosted our establishment in its efforts.

Indeed already with the first coming of the peers and the visit to the ministry. The office of the supervising minister took a great interest in our centre. Firstly to know the reason for the choice, and secondly to help us regularize the files with the ministry.

To this, we can note the fact that parents already see through this mobility another opportunity that adds to what is already done at the center: to allow their children to do internships in Europe.

The project itself is a very good thing, if you really want to enjoy it. Because it really opens our eyes to the reality of Europe. Especially in our area which is a crossroads for illegal immigration.

Opening the project on vocational training at a time in the history of Ivory Coast when the government is promoting vocational training, will help establish the possibility of training for a trade. This will certainly diminish the desire to look across the sea for something that can be found there.

The more students we have who have had the experience, the more ambassadors we will have to help others on the experience that our students have already had.

Let us remember here that for many (students as well as parents), vocational training is a sign of failure compared to general education. Now that government policy sees in training the chance to reduce unemployment, offering these kinds of experiences will help in the social integration of our young people. Because these experiences are a great asset in their training course.

What would you recommend to a center considering participating in a project or program like this?

We will really encourage participation in this project. It helps a lot in every way: human formation, relational; openness to life, self-confidence and welcoming others without prejudice. In short, the SAAM project is an opportunity for us.