Citizenship and areas

A large portion of the work managed by the 11 technical groups of the different districts has been to do with defining the major policies in the educational area, which has resulted in the start-up of three new local educational projects in Bellevue, Nantes Nord and Nantes Est following those of Malakoff and Dervallières/Le Breil. The focus has been on taking account of vulnerable sections of the public and supporting the dynamics of local life, by means of participation by the districts in festive and cultural events, such as the festival “Malakoff lit, Malakoff raconte” (Malakoff reads, Malakoff tells stories), the “Rencontres de l’insertion sociale” (Social integration meetings), “Muzicolor” or “Fraich’attitude”. This has led to the development of better neighbourhood relations in the residential districts of Nantes.

District newspapers have also been involved in this process, with the establishment of a new column – the “Calendar of initiatives and events” - and the launch of a campaign entitled “les quartiers nous étonnent” (surprises from other districts) to make people more aware of the projects and achievements of other residents.  

Nantes welcomes foreigners by making it easier for them to integrate and fighting discrimination. In 2008, a study was launched into the housing of immigrants, and guides were compiled to help foreigners obtain access to their rights and find help in learning French. In this context 600 people took part in the “Living in France” days organised by the City, 300 received follow-up in connection with access to their rights and nearly 300 children whose native language is not French received support under the national education schemes in association with the City’s educational success programme.

The Conseil Nantaise de la Citoyenneté des Etrangers (Nantes Foreign Citizens Council) is also on hand to ensure joint involvement in the development of local policies on the integration of foreigners, with participation in the exhibition “Ecritures extraordinaires” (Extraordinary writings), and the project “Residents of Nantes venus d’ailleur” (Residents of Nantes from Elsewhere) and also due to the creation of a dedicated page for foreigners on the City’s website.

Figures on integration

200 Nantes organisations mobilised for the integration of foreigners 6 local training courses on preventing and combating discrimination, targeted at employment agencies (Pôle Emploi, Mission locale, Maison de l’emploi)
Nearly 200 companies have signed the diversity charter of the Pays-de-la-Loire region.