France/Riec-sur-Bélon. With the Sweet Pirate association, young people are reconnecting with the sea

The Sweet Pirate association welcomed about ten students enrolled in the CAP program. Four half-day sessions were organized to help the young people reconnect with the sea.

“The idea came about after we watched a documentary with the students in the class, because one of them had participated in it,” explains Céline Silhol, their instructor. The film, “Revivre après la traversée” (Living Again After the Crossing), tells the story of Sylvie and Gaël’s initiative to bring unaccompanied minor migrants to Loctudy to help them regain their confidence, overcome their fear of water, and enjoy recreational activities at sea.

We all thought it would be great to do this, so we contacted the Quimper-based organization Le Temps Partagé, which runs programs to support unaccompanied minors. Since they were overwhelmed with requests, they put us in touch with the organization Sweet Pirate, and the project got underway.

“They arrive; we take them out to sea”

These young people arrived in France as refugees; they left their home countries, and some of them crossed the Mediterranean under difficult conditions. In addition to the swimming rehabilitation program they’re participating in, this year they’ve been working through their trauma thanks to the sessions organized with Sweet Pirate. “The first meeting was an opportunity to get to know each other at the workshop where the organization’s volunteers repair and renovate boats. We introduced ourselves and had an introductory lesson on knots,” explains David. “Working together, helping those who can’t sail to get out on the water—that’s what drives us,” Julien notes. During the second session at the workshop, they helped renovate a boat. Then it was time to get on the boat for their first trip on the Aven River before heading out to sea to sail.

This first experience went very well; the collaboration was positive for the young people, the mentors, and the members of Sweet Pirate alike. Céline, their instructor, is also enthusiastic about the quality of the partnership. The goal was achieved: the young people gained confidence, showed courage, and enjoyed sailing.

Source: www.ouest-france.fr/