The Thread: A professional integration program for refugees

Tissu Solidaire deployed several activities to facilitate the social and professional integration of newcomers

We created the Thread, as a stepping stone to professional integration through:

- French as a foreign language classes

- Sewing classes

- The creation of a collection along with designers

- An individualised support to employement

Pour qui?

The Thread est destiné aux personnes ayant le droit de travailler en France, bénéficiaire du RSA et/ou inscrite à Pôle Emploi.

French as a foreign language classes

The aim of French as a foreign language classes is to allow learners to develop know-how and language know-how specific to their integration in working and everyday life!

The course was designed for level A1 and A2 learners

Sewing Classes

Sewing courses aim to professionally re-engage participants by allowing them to consolidate or acquire new skills and help build their personal and professional paths.

In addition to the technical skills related to sewing (thoroughness, measurements, pattern, tailoring, etc.), the acquisition of behavioral skills (confidence, empathy, time management, communication, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, daring, sense of the collective , etc.) is also targeted.

Employment support

Social and professional support aims at defining a professional project and redirecting the person towards adapted paths (training, insertion structure, or directly towards employment).

Creation of a backpack collection

Thanks to a fructuous collaboration with textile design students from La Martinière Diderot’s High School, Tissu Solidaire’s craftsmen sew one backpack collection per promotion (design, manufacturing, distribution).

Collection

Draw on Knowledge, highlight it while training craftsmen: a participative, inclusive and virtuous process.

An evocation to travel: as a symbol of the migratory journey, the backpack was thought of as an extension of oneself, a testimony of exile

The Craftsmen

Adib, Wafa, Batkhishigt, Eljona and Sarvar followed the first promotion of The Thread in 2019 for 4 months. They tell us about it!

Adib

“I am a professional dressmaker in my country but I newer sewed a backpack; I learned in the association. I made new friends with whom I learn French and about French culture. I feel good here and I got a job”

Wafa

“I’ve been participating in the association’s activities since March, I am learning sewing techniques, the manipulation of a sewing machine, the take of responsibility, and work efficiency”

Batkhishigt

“Since I’m here I have learned to make a buttonhole, to recognize fabrics, to cut fabrics. I’ve also been learning French and made some new friends”

Eljona

“For those who don’t know this good association yet, I’m saying: come at the Tissu Solidaire if you have the time to learn small and useful things for everyday life and for your pleasure”

Sarvar

“I was a dressmaker, but I had never made a backpack before. Today I’m doing it thanks to the Tissu Solidaire. I’m about to enter a work-study program in September”