Sami is in Specialized Master® EXPPER on the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers . He is following a demanding course of study that leaves him little free time, but he has chosen to make it a priority to be useful and help others.
He is involved with theAFEV, a network of students working together in working-class neighborhoods to combat educational and social inequalities.
Meet Sami and Sofiane, a high school student.
Sami, why did you decide to become a volunteer? And what are your responsibilities at AFEV?
I discovered this association quite by chance and was immediately interested in volunteering. It's not just abouthelping young people with their schooling, but also introducing them to new cultural horizons (shows, exhibitions, concerts), talking with them, and trying to guide and advise them.
I chose student mentoring, which involves dedicating two hours a week to a young person to support and assist them.
I have always felt that I have been fortunate in life. I had a happy childhood in my home country of Tunisia, surrounded by a close-knit family with a strong interest in culture. I also did well in my studies. I have been fortunate to travel and discover many countries around the world.
Not all young people are so fortunate! I am aware of that. That is why sharing and helping others comes naturally to me. "It makes me feel useful!"
Sami, what specific actions are you taking?
I started volunteering with Sofiane, who is a high school student, this fall. So far, we have mainly worked on his physics lessons, as he had exams to prepare for. It is very rewarding but not easy to learn how to explain scientific concepts to a young person in a simple way and illustrate them with concrete examples.
The challenge is to show them what the subject they are studying is for, and why they are being taught it. Unfortunately, this is not always emphasized in high school.
We visited the Aix campus accompanied by two engineering students to show him what an engineering school is like and introduce him to the laboratories and machines.
We also played sports together. This was an opportunity to explain to him the importance of pushing himself and working harder than others to succeed.
I also plan to take him to a show, concert, or museum as soon as the opportunity arises!
Sofiane, can you explain what Sami's support brings to your life as a high school student?
When I was in ninth grade in Marseille, I was offered a place at the "prestigious" boarding school Lycée Vauvenargues in Aix-en-Provence, because my grades met the required standard.
It was after the Covid crisis that my grades started to drop. So my school counselor enrolled me in the AFEV support program. What I like about this program is that it's not just private lessons, but also outings, sports, and discussions with someone more experienced.
Sami, can you give us three keywords to describe your commitment and what it brings you?
I would say: Sharing, Solidarity, and Enjoyment!
