On the Châlons-en-Champagne campus, the gaSole association encourages students to actively engage in social and environmental causes, combining social impact with respect for the environment.
Led by Karelle Alfa-Maillancourt, a sophomore in the Grande École Program, the gaSole association at the Châlons-en-Champagne campus is dedicated to combining social responsibility and environmental stewardship through concrete actions. It offers every student the opportunity to get involved in projects.
An organization driven by strong values
GaSole is built on core values: solidarity, civic engagement, and respect. “Our goal is to encourage our peers to get involved in causes that matter to them, making a real positive impact,” explains Karelle Alfa-Maillancourt. Although the group has about twenty members, only five to ten students are truly active. But that doesn’t hold them back: their energy and determination more than make up for the lack of manpower. GaSole’s commitment isn’t limited to its official members; many students also support external initiatives, demonstrating that the association’s spirit of solidarity extends far beyond its members.
Community initiatives
The association steps in wherever there is a need. One of its most notable initiatives is its support for the children’s center, where students visit twice a week to help children and teenagers with their homework. “These young people are at different academic levels and often come from difficult backgrounds. We adapt to their needs, whether by helping them with the basics or offering them opportunities to play,” Karelle explains. The association also participates in food drives for the food bank and is organizing two blood drives on campus this year. “We’ve partnered with the French Blood Establishment to find a suitable location and mobilize students. We hope to reach as many people as possible, including campus staff,” Karelle explains.
Plans for the year
By 2025, the association plans to diversify its initiatives. “We want to strengthen our support for the children’s home with a wider range of projects, such as outings or creative workshops. At the same time, we want to develop eco-friendly initiatives; we’ve considered organizing a vegetarian challenge to raise awareness about the environmental impact of our diet, or setting up a composting system on campus. “These ideas are still under consideration; we’re currently assessing their feasibility,” Karelle shares. The association remains open to new ideas proposed by its members, such as workshops to reduce students’ carbon footprints or initiatives to limit screen time. Every member is free to contribute their ideas and convictions to enrich the association.
