| IN BRIEF
|
Seventeen young people from Martigues decided to engage in a solidarity trip in Thailand, thus marking their desire to contribute to a humanitarian cause. This adventure, which lasted nine days, led them to meet associations working to support orphaned children affected by past tragedies, while promoting environmental preservation projects. Through this experience, these young people not only wish to provide concrete help, but also to raise awareness of social issues and the need for mutual aid on an international scale.
A group of seventeen young people from the social centers of Martigues recently participated in a humanitarian mission in Thailand. This trip, which took place from February 11 to 22, allowed them to meet orphaned children and support local initiatives. Besides financial support, their main objective was to provide joy and comfort to those who need it most.
A journey rich in emotion
“I have just returned from a trip to Thailand Phuket, but it’s not the kind of trip you think, rather a humanitarian and solidarity trip, a human journey, a journey of emotion”, explains Nassim Ghilassène, one of the young people involved. During their stay, they had the opportunity to visit two associations which welcome orphaned children and young people in care, all affected by the terrible 2004 tsunami.
Concrete actions to help children
During these three days spent at Phuket Sunshine Village, the young people brought toys and financial donations, including a check for 400 euros. They also organized fun activities such as a fair and gathered around the thai cuisine, thus creating unforgettable moments of sharing. “We had difficulty communicating since we don’t speak the same language, but we got there,” comments Inès, a 17-year-old participant. This experience had a profound impact on them, allowing them to become aware of the difficult realities from which these children suffer.
An environmental commitment
Young Martegas also had the opportunity to collaborate with the association Mai Khao, founded by Michèle Mouillé. This association campaigns for the preservation of the environment, by keeping Maï Khao beach clean and welcoming in the face of the tourist influx. Thanks to fundraising organized by young people, a check for 300 euros was given to support the efforts of this local initiative.
A self-funded project and local partnerships
Nassim Ghilassène specified that all the activities of this mission were self-funded. “Throughout the year, we show solidarity,” he said, mentioning the partnership with Restos du Coeur. By organizing food drives, garage sales, and other local events, young people in Martigues have managed to mobilize and actively contribute to their community. The previous year, they had already made a solidarity trip to Morocco and in Jordan.
A surge of solidarity in the city of Martigues
The municipality of Martigues supports the initiative of young people by organizing solidarity actions. Each year, the city sets up food and hygiene product collection operations for the benefit of several associations, such as the Popular Relief, THE Catholic Relief and the Red Cross. Through these collaborations, the “Youth” service created in 2009 offers a conducive framework for young people aged 14 to 25 to engage in collective and individual projects aimed at strengthening community ties.
For this edition, the City of Martigues organized its major collection between January 13 and February 6, the results of which were impressive with nearly 9 tons of products collected, a real record of generosity, testifying to the adhesion of the Martegalese to solidarity causes.
- Destination : Thailand
- Duration of stay : 9 days
- Participants : Seventeen young people from Martigues
- Departure date : February 11
- Return date : February 22
- Types of activities : Humanitarian and solidarity
- Partner associations : Home for orphaned children, Maï Khao association
- Actions taken : Delivery of toys, organization of a fair
- Financial donations : 400 euros for the home and 300 euros for the Maï Khao association
- Main objectives : Bringing joy and support to children in difficulty
FAQ about solidarity adventure in Thailand
Who are the young people going to Thailand? Seventeen young people from the social centers of Martigues, notably Pistoun, in Canto-Perdrix and Boudème-Jonquières, went on a solidarity trip to Thailand.
When did the solidarity trip take place? The departure took place on February 11, and the return took place on February 22.
What types of associations were encountered? The young people met two associations: a home for orphaned children following the 2004 tsunami, as well as an establishment welcoming placed children.
What actions were taken during this trip? They brought toys, organized a fair and made a donation of 400 euros. They also shared culinary activities with the children.
How did the young people finance their project? The project was entirely self-funded through fundraising and donations from local corporations.
What was the impact of their visit on the children? The young people brought a lot of joy to the children by meeting them, spending time together and participating in fun activities.
Who is the founder of the Maï Khao association? Michèle Mouille is the founder of the Maï Khao association, which works to preserve a beach in the face of tourist influx.
What feedback did participants have on this experience? The participants were very happy with this experience, emphasizing how lucky they were to have been able to help and be in contact with the children.