25 years of Lire et Faire Lire: an intergenerational ball at the Maison des Métallos

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Lire et Faire Lire (Read and Make Read) association organized an intergenerational ball at the Maison des Métallos in Paris, bringing together 150 participants, including volunteers and children. The director of our foundation, Joséphine Biernacki, and Laetitia Brunet, godmother of one of the association's projects, were delighted to attend. This festive and convivial morning highlighted the association's core mission: to pass on the joy of reading to children while fostering connections between generations. In a warm atmosphere, alternating readings, music, and social gatherings, children and volunteers shared moments of exchange and camaraderie.

The association's commitment to passing on knowledge and culture

At the heart of its commitment is to cultivate children's imagination and curiosity while taking concrete action against exclusion. By placing reading and culture at the center of interaction, their projects foster personal development and prepare young people for their role as future citizens. It is a collective and collaborative approach that mobilizes all stakeholders in education to reduce social inequalities and give every child the tools for their own empowerment.

Volunteer Testimonials

Some of the feedback we received was particularly noteworthy:

✦ Daniel, 71, retired librarian

"This project promotes social diversity, creates connections between generations, and allows us to pass on literature. It's an antidote to aging and a way to build community."

✦ Patricia, 70, volunteer for 8 years

"Reading and Making Others Read gives me as much as it gives the children." I leave with a smile, unique moments of sharing, and a desire to continue passing on my knowledge.

The volunteers emphasize the importance of giving their time, preparing readings, and creating lasting bonds with the children, all while participating in an essential social mission.

At the heart of our mission: strengthening intergenerational bonds

This project perfectly aligns with our foundation's mission, empowering seniors to take an active role in their own well-being, maintain a sense of purpose, and connect with younger generations.

"This morning, I saw smiles and precious moments of sharing. Thank you to all the volunteers for this inspiring commitment, which builds such an important intergenerational bond." – Joséphine Biernacki

Laetitia Brunet, the patron of the Lire et faire lire projects supported by On Seniors'Side, also expressed her gratitude:

"This project cares for our seniors as much as for children and embodies the values ​​of sharing and intergenerational transmission. Congratulations to everyone for these 25 years!"

Muriel Bloch: The Traveling Storyteller

The morning was enriched by a presentation from Muriel Bloch, an international storyteller since 1979, whose mission is to transport the imagination and create unique moments for each audience. She uses sounds, objects, and stories from diverse cultures to captivate children and immerse them in the world of storytelling.

Key Figures

Ligue de l’Enseignement – ​​Fédération de Paris:

• 400 active volunteers in Paris

• 10,000 volunteers over the past 25 years

• 10,000 children benefiting in Paris

Lire et Faire Lire (National Association):

• 167 coordinators to support volunteers

• 18,000 active volunteers

• 640,000 children per school year

• 10 million children reached over the past 25 years