On March 13, 2025, Paris hosted an Erasmus+ seminar bringing together the partners of the Culture, Craft & Citizenship (CCC) project. A full day of exchange, presentations, and reflections focused on professional inclusion through craft, culture, and citizenship. Here’s a look back at a highlight of the project.
A Grounded and Meaningful Encounter
the seminar showcased concrete practices in support of social inclusion. Two main moments structured the day: the testimony of a group of Latvian students who spent a week in Paris participating in cultural and professional workshops, and insightful presentations from key actors of inclusion in the Île-de-France region.
“I loved the creative workshops and the kindness of the trainers. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we found ways to understand each other,” shared Katya, one of the Latvian participants
Her words reflect the human dimension of the CCC project: learning a trade while discovering other cultures.
Highlighting Local Initiatives
Then, Mangay Mombong, representing the Projet Relation Entreprises – EPEC of Paris, presented their support method:
“Today, finding a job requires more than just technical skills. Employers also look for human qualities. That’s where citizenship and culture become essential.”
He shared key figures from EPEC (over 3,300 people supported, 60% positive outcomes), and detailed their MAPPY method, based on voluntariness, co-designed career paths, and strong social support.
The partnership between the EPEC and Artemisia Formation was highlighted as a successful example of local synergy.
In the second half of the day, two prominent voices from the field shared key insights:
Mariz Gabriela Saenz, déléguée regionale de Chantier Ecole, Ile de France emphasized the vital role of inclusion structures:
“These organizations operate across three contexts simultaneously—social, economic, and political. They support people facing employment difficulties while contributing to local development.”
He stressed their local anchoring, the wide range of trades involved (recycling, textile, urban agriculture, decorative painting, etc.), and their ability to restore confidence and skills to employees.
A European Perspective
International partners from Latvia, Italy, Turkey, and France praised the depth of the exchanges. The representative from the municipality of Bursa reminded attendees that “migration challenges should not be seen as obstacles, but as opportunities to build a more inclusive society.” An invitation was extended for the next consortium meeting in Bursa.
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