Two classes of first-year students in the Arts et Métiers Grande Ecole Program Arts et Métiers Châlons-en-Champagne and Cluny campuses carried out projects to benefit associations and the population of the city of Cluny.
On October 5 and 6, 2024, the 300 first-year students in the Arts et Métiers Grande Ecole Program Arts et Métiers Châlons-en-Champagne and Cluny campuses took on the challenge of working together to carry out restoration and renovation projects for 10 associations in Cluny.
Build strong and lasting ties between the class and between the class and the town of Cluny.
On Saturday morning, the 300 students involved successfully completed 17 projects simultaneously in the town of Cluny, as well as in Mâcon and Bergesserin. They carried out work on historic monuments, town gardens, sports facilities, Cluny hospital, and even collected donations for the Restos du Coeur charity. In the evening and on Sunday, the students shared their experiences. This year, we wanted to demonstrate cohesion and solidarity for the benefit of the city and its inhabitants. It was also an opportunity for these students to discover some of Cluny's associations, their commitment, and the city's various activities," explains Renaud Paris, president of the Cluny student association.
Aid projects
Several actions were carried out over two days, including:
- the construction of a platform at the Saint-Mayeul tower,
- cleaning the bottom of the herb garden,
- the maintenance and beautification of the Rose Garden,
- the creation of a bench and shelter in the April Garden,
- the creation of a false ceiling at the House of Dragons, in the "Boiset Family" painting room,
- the beautification of the patios at Cluny Hospital,
- participation in the Restos du Coeur food drive,
- the refurbishment of the Cosec dojo in Cluny,
- the gym and gymnastics room, as well as the US Cluny foyer,
- cleaning at the Maison du geste in Bergesserin.
Return of the student association presidents
- Chanelle Sanchez, president of the student association at Châlons-en-Champagne
- Renaud Paris, president of the Cluny student association
Where did the idea for this event and this meeting between the two graduating classes from Cluny and Châlons come from?
Chanelle Sanchez: For many years, the Châlons campus has placed great importance on inter-campus exchanges. In 2022, it was the Metz campus, then the following year it was Lille. This year, the idea arose from a desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship and connection between the Cluny and Châlons classes. The two campuses share common values of solidarity, and we wanted to bring this to life through a meeting focused on sharing and charity.
Renaud Paris: The Gadz’Arts promote values such as fraternity, cohesion, and solidarity. We want to apply these values to the world around us and the environment in which we live.
How did you organize yourselves?
C.S: The organization began several months in advance. We held numerous meetings to get organized and make sure we were all on the same page, so that the weekend would have a direction that suited both campuses. A dedicated team, made up of representatives from both campuses, took care of the logistics: transportation, accommodation, and communication between participants. Every aspect was coordinated to maximize efficiency while complying with safety regulations. Students from Cluny were responsible for contacting local associations to organize the weekend's charitable activities. The students were able to take action at nearly 15 locations, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
What were the objectives of this meeting?
C.S.: The main objective was to recreate a strong bond between the two first-year classes and perpetuate the relationship that had already been established between the second-year students on both campuses (these bonds were formed thanks to the many inter-campus meetings organized during sporting events or the vacations organized with all campuses each year). Of course, we also wanted to raise awareness among first-year students about the importance of community involvement and solidarity by challenging them to carry out tasks for the town of Cluny. Finally, it also gave students a better understanding of the specific characteristics of the two campuses.
R.P. We live in the smallest student town in France, and as soon as we arrived in Cluny, we noticed
how committed the residents are to their town. We wanted to be part of this dynamic
in order to learn more about Cluny, its activities, its associations, and their various commitments within
the community.
Our objectives:
- Demonstrate cohesion and solidarity. Put these Gadzarique values to good use for the benefit of the city, associations, people in need, etc.
- Bring added value to the town of Cluny and its residents, and rebuild strong, lasting ties between us.
- Highlight the fact that Fraternity, the motto of Gadz'Arts, extends beyond the walls of the Abbey. Two campuses hundreds of kilometers apart are joining forces to help others.
What did this bring to your group?
C.S.: From a group perspective, it helped strengthen team spirit by working together on charitable projects. It also helped bring the teams closer together, and the first-year students were able to see the positive impact they can have as a group, both inside and outside the school.
R.P.: Everyone involved in creating and organizing this event was able to develop real managerial skills (mainly soft skills) that will serve them well throughout their professional careers.
The prefecture, the Major of the gendarmerie, local authorities, associations in Cluny, the management of ENSAM, and even the residents of Cluny were all very pleased with this initiative and encourage us to continue this type of action. This feedback is very important to us because it stimulates our commitment and gives meaning to our projects.
What was the sequence of events?
The first-year students from Châlons left for Cluny on Saturday morning. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the students from Cluny, followed by a charity day with multiple activities so that everyone could help in their own way. In the evening, a party was organized with a Pink October theme, with the proceeds going to this association. During the weekend, students from both campuses also had the opportunity to discover the differences in campus culture and to exchange ideas with each other.
Will there be the same event next year?
Indeed, we hope that this event will become an annual tradition by making it a permanent fixture. Feedback from participants has been very positive, and the idea is to continue strengthening these inter-campus ties through joint initiatives.
