Belgium/Charleroi: the Move Up citizens' collective gets involved in a major toy drive
In Charleroi, a dozen young people aged 12 to 15 have decided to take action for their city. Gathered within the "Move Up" citizens' collective, they are launching their first solidarity action until December 20: a toy collection for children in need. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the ENER'J Center.
The collective Move Up was born during a training course organized by the ENER'J Center. "We noticed that young people really wanted to get moving for the city, and they weren't sure how to go about it ," explains Marie Dosimont, animator at the ENER'J Center. "From this course, the little group built up quite easily. They got on very well straight away." At the start of the course, the young people drew up a charter to guide how they would operate - a way of laying the foundations for a close-knit, inclusive and autonomous collective.
The ENER'J Center supports the teenagers in their projects: "We supervise them, but all the ideas come from them. We suggest contacts, people to see, places to visit...", explains Marie.
Today, Move Up has a good dozen motivated young people, including Hamza.
It's important to do something for the community.
Collecting toys for children in need
The principle is clear: "People who want to take part donate toys to Move Up, and we distribute them to the children," explains Hamza, 12. Two partner associations will receive the donations: Caritas International and ASBL Triangle.
We've chosen to collect toys for children in need who can't afford them.
Donations can be dropped off at the ENER'J Center. As Marie Dosimont explains, the toys must be in good condition:no stuffed toys (for hygiene reasons),no electronic or battery-operated toys (risk of malfunction).
The group has already received several toys and books. "We hope to receive many more," says Maëlys, 14, "I wanted to get things moving. During the course, we met lots of people. We've kept in touch, and even today, we're all talking to each other. For her, the toy drive is an obvious choice.
Helping children is something I feel very strongly about. Some don't get as many toys as we do.
After the toy drive, Maëlys is already thinking about what's next: " I'd like to start up other projects".
This is the basis for a dynamic future for the Move Up collective, which seems ready to make a lasting commitment to its town.
The ENER'J Centre, a key player for young people
The ENER'J Center is a youth information and entertainment center for 12-26 year-olds.
Our missions include informing young people, raising their awareness of social issues and showing them that they can take action.
This is essential support for young people who, despite their age, are already proving their maturity as citizens. The mobilization of these young Carolinians shows that there's no age limit to solidarity. Thanks to their commitment, many underprivileged children will be able to receive a gift at the end of the year - an inspiring initiative that seems to be just the beginning of the adventure for Move Up.
You can listen to the interviews above with Nadège Wuestenberghs and Anthony Cujas, in Charleroi Matin on VivaCité.
Source: www.rtbf.be/
