FESTISOL in Antony : solidarity, ecology and fraternal bonds
Meetings, workshops and commitments to solidarity and integral ecology
FESTISOL, Solidarity Festival in Antony offers interactive workshops, exhibitions and activities in various locations throughout the city. More than 20 events!
For two weeks, all those involved in solidarity work come together to publicise their actions, raise awareness and highlight acts of solidarity around us. Schools, libraries and cultural spaces in the city are putting their resources and expertise at the service of the public.
Sisters Hue and Agnès took part in the event because we, the Little Sisters of the Assumption, love to share with others what animates our faith. Getting to know and joining those who forge bonds of solidarity and work for a more just and sustainable world is a source of hope for us. They share their experiences with us.
“During Solidarity Week, we had the opportunity to participate in several activities organised by La P’tite Echoppe. La P’tite Echoppe is a solidarity grocery store that enables low-income families to eat healthily and locally. The grocery store offers organic products. Ma P’tite Echoppe also offers opportunities to meet and workshops to build friendships
The citizen dinner
A buffet for everyone, prepared by members and volunteers from Ma P’tite Echoppe.
I enjoyed this moment because it was so warm and welcoming. While sampling delicious dishes from around the world, we exchanged ideas and experiences. For example, a man living on the streets told us: ‘It’s great because thanks to an association, I can have three meals a day and I can see that we’re avoiding waste.’ This reminded me of another saying: ‘Wasting food is stealing from the poor!’
I was touched because people did not hesitate to share their difficult realities. I also admired the attitude of the children who respected the dishes that were prepared.
Monopoly of Inequality
A board game that reflects inequality and discrimination in society. Each player takes on a role in society: I was a 55-year-old man, owner of two houses with a good salary; another player was disabled; another player was a young worker with a low salary…
Playing the role of a wealthy person made me feel more strongly the inequalities between people and the injustice they suffer. This game helped me to better understand the difficulties that everyone can experience. It reinforced my belief that when we show solidarity, we have the power to improve everyone’s lives.
Game of commitment to the planet
A board game where everyone can win, especially the planet. The players were people in precarious situations from the parish’s ‘Tea and Coffee’ group.
The point of this game is that it allowed everyone to reflect on their daily lives: food, transport, recycling, nature, pollution, etc. We all became aware of our responsibility for our shared home and that we can all be mindful of what we use in order to protect our environment. For example, when asked ‘How long do you spend in the shower?’, some realised that they could save water. When asked ‘Do you reuse your plastic bags?’, everyone answered ‘Yes’.
Climate Mural
We met with members of the pensioners’ association to learn more about climate change.
I was impressed by the commitment of the volunteers who visit associations and schools to raise awareness among young people about this issue. We feel somewhat powerless in the face of this global issue, over which we have little control. Meeting and sharing gives meaning to everything we do”.
These shared experiences give meaning to our daily commitments. They encourage each and every one of us to move forward, step by step, towards a fairer and more fraternal world.
Srs Hué and Agnès