Interview: David BARON Head of Department, French Red Cross Medical and Educational Institute, Grasse

Smartclic supports the training of young people with disabilities.

Since the beginning of the year, Smartclic has been working alongside the Valfleurs Medical and Educational Institute of the French Red Cross in Grasse. By subcontracting a part of its logistics activities, the agency enables the training of young people with disabilities. David Baron, head of the IME, explains to us why this professional contribution is important for the Institute and for the children.

Can you describe the IME in Grasse?

We welcome 52 disabled children age from 4 to 20 with a team of 35 people composed of educators, re-educators, psychomotricity specialist, doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists…. Stake holder of the French Red Cross Mougins-Grasse children’s centre, we operate as a day centre. Through an individualised support project, each child is offered educational and pedagogical activities adapted to his/her age and level. These activities can be cognitive, manual, artistic, linked to autonomy, etc.

What role does vocational training play in this project?

Une de nos sections est dédiée à l’initiation et la première formation professionnelle. Les jeunes qui y sont accueillis ont entre 14 et 20 ans et viennent apprendre les pré-requis du travail. C’est une pré-formation : ils acquièrent toutes les bases d’un métier des savoirs êtres dans l’objectif de pouvoir transposer leurs compétences dans un environnement de travail, soit en atelier protégé soit, si c’est possible, dans la vie milieu ordinaire.

How did you receive Smartclic’s proposal?

As a wonderful opportunity to put young people in a real work situation. Thanks to the subcontracting activities proposed by Smartclic, the young people find meaning in what they are doing, they understand the purpose and therefore find motivation. The missions proposed by Smartclic are concrete, which is very important for them. Also, the team has visited the workshop which creates a strong relationship with the young people.

Smartclic has also chosen to allocate its apprenticeship tax to you. What does this mean for you?

It will allow us to buy professional equipment to enable the young people to work in good conditions. As a public utility association, we are very attached to the values of the French Red Cross. Smartclic’s commitment is a little extra enabling us to get as close as possible to socio-professional inclusion for children and future adults.

Thanks to the subcontracting activities proposed by Smartclic, the young people find meaning in what they are doing, they understand the purpose and therefore find motivation.

D.BARON