Personal stories

CAMI SPORT & CANCER

The association is committed to public health by fighting cancer through the promotion of adapted physical activity. The program it supports offers sports therapy for adolescents with cancer in three Paris hospitals.

"When I went into hospital, I was feeling very low, I didn't really have any desire or energy. I wasn't at all sporty, so I declined the physical activity classes straight away, but the instructor convinced me. In the end, it did me a lot of good, both physically and mentally. Otherwise, I would have stayed in bed all day." Marion

 "I'm quite sporty, so it was essential for me to get some kind of physical activity. When I got out of hospital, I joined my mates for a football match. It was great! I was tired, but I'm sure that without all that physical exercise I wouldn't have been able to play." Raph

"I didn't do much sport before. When the educator suggested physical activity sessions, I said yes because it would be a nice change from hospital. In the end, it really helped me let off steam and I got hooked. If I can, I'm going to carry on after I leave hospital." Jonathan

Chaya France

For over 15 years, the TARA program, run by the association CHAYA France together with its local partner ONYVA India, has been protecting vulnerable children and young people in Delhi who lack family support.

"My name is Noorjahaan. I joined TARA in 2015 when I was just nine years old, and I was the first girl to live at TARA Girls. At first I was scared, everything was new, I didn't know what to expect and I was just a kid. But as time went by, TARA became my home. I met new people, made friends and started school. The TARA team became like family to me, always there to support and guide me.

Growing up at TARA was full of great memories. The strongest bond I felt was with the other girls at TARA, they were like sisters - we came from similar backgrounds and really understood each other. There was no judgement, so we could talk about anything and support each other. Being surrounded by kind people made me feel safe. The team was very understanding and I felt accepted and supported. Over the years, so many people have helped me in different ways, and for that I will always be grateful to TARA.

When the time came to move on to the young adult programme, TARA Big Birds, I was both proud and a little scared. But more proud than scared! Entering adulthood meant taking on responsibilities, managing my own expenses, dealing with my own problems, but also freedom and new opportunities. Moving to university and living in halls of residence has been a big change, but I've also made some good friends. The biggest challenge I faced was managing my time. Balancing my studies with my part-time work for the NGO Udhayan Care was overwhelming at times, but the support of my mentor helped me stay on track.

Education has always been important to me, and I am so grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from TARA, especially from my teacher David, who has always supported me in my studies. In India, many girls don't get the chance to pursue higher education because some families think it will lead them astray.

Today I'm 18, 19 soon, and I'm studying journalism and mass communication at Gautam Buddha University in Noida. Although I love studying communication, I haven't decided on my exact career path yet, my dream is to become a flight attendant - I love the idea of travelling, meeting new people and exploring the world.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey and to everyone who supports TARA. Thanks to TARA, I have become the person I am today, and I will continue to grow. If I could talk to the scared 9-year-old I was when I arrived, I would say to her: "Believe in yourself, don't be afraid to try new things. There will be ups and downs, but stay strong and keep going until you reach your goal!"

People may call TARA an NGO, but for me it was a home. And for that, I will always be grateful."

Noorjahaan

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fondation chaya tara

Programmes Vitamine T

The association Programmes Vitamine T is committed to social inclusion by developing innovative economic initiatives in West Africa.

The inspiring story of Odile, intern at Garage Kuabo in Benin

"My name is Odile Dossou Yovo, I'm 26 years old and I've been an apprentice at Garage Kuabo for a year. During that time, I've acquired a lot of skills, despite the challenges I've encountered. Today, I've learnt how to work with equipment like the pneumatic machine, the balancing machine and the press. I'm proud to be a woman in a profession that's seen as male-dominated, because it makes me feel proud and motivates me to progress even further.

My background before Kuabo

After my baccalauréat, I worked for MTN (a telecommunications company) and then, after the birth of my child, I opened a mobile money shop. However, my dream was to learn to be a car mechanic, but I didn’t have enough money for the training. Thanks to Kuabo, I was finally able to take the plunge.

My internship experience at CFAO

On November 4th, I joined CFAO for a two-month work placement. As soon as I arrived, we were introduced to the workshop and its tools. My supervisor taught me how to change diesel filters, belts, spark plugs and brake pads, as well as how to service air conditioning and diesel systems.

At first, the technicians were reluctant to entrust us with the work, but over time they let us work autonomously under supervision. This experience taught me a lot and made me want to learn more."

Dossou Yovo Odile

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fondation vitamine T