What led you to become involved in solidarity action and support the Capa’Cité project?
I have been involved in various university, sporting and professional associations. At engineering school, as well as academic studies there was life in the halls of residence, offering a number of associative and cultural activities. It was enlightening and rewarding.
During my professional career, I have been involved in setting up several associations.
In terms of professional integration, it was my wife who is responsible for integration who raised my awareness.  Thanks to her association, I became familiar with this field; on an informal basis, I helped integrate around 10 people into the Eiffage group thanks to my internal network. I came to realise that networks can be effective when official organisations are unsuccessful.
 
When the Salvation Army contacted me through a personal friend to ask me to support the Capa’Cité integration project, I accepted immediately. Since I was a child, I have seen them take care of people in difficulty. I went from just donating, to a more active if modest role.
 
What associations are you involved in and what do you get back?
As well as my part-time position as head of the “Revue Générale des Routes et de l'Aménagement” (RGRA), which enables me to maintain links with the profession and share my knowledge, I am supporting a project run by an association in my area, Orsay. I am managing the third “Water and Sanitation” project in Doutchi (Nigeria), which aims to provide drinking water for more than 25,000 people in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders. The current project covers 4 rural villages, a “dream come true” according to the mayors of those communities.
 
My involvement in associations gives me an understanding of the difficulties they face in terms of getting projects off the ground and securing ongoing funding.
 
What I like about these projects is that the results are immediate. There is a tangible aspect that I also appreciated during my career in the construction industry.
These commitments give me a feeling of still being useful, sharing my skills, thanks to my experience and my contacts.
I particularly appreciate being able to set up projects in Africa (and in France too!). When I was a young engineer, I worked on several projects in the Sahara, including roads and airfields. I am familiar with the area and the context, and today I have an even clearer idea of the scale of what is needed. I know how important it is to be involved in these areas.
 
What would you say to colleagues to encourage them to get involved in solidarity action?
Social commitment is a personal matter. We all live together so why not share!
Everyone can do something: give lessons to children, help serve meals in the evening, mentor young people, manage solidarity projects, etc. The news over the past few months has taught us important lessons, and the scope of action is vast in inner city areas.
 
The Salvation Army Foundation manages the Capa’Cité integration enterprise, based in the “Cité de Refuge” building designed by Le Corbusier in the 13th district in Paris. This building was purpose built for the reception, housing and social reintegration of people in need. The Foundation has made it possible to set up a further integration scheme in the events management sector, offering training for 6 people as receptionists, security agents, waiters, equipment handlers and sound technicians.
 
Can you describe your role as supporter of the Capa’Cité project?
A project supporter is involved in preparing the project and ensures that it is a success. I help with the project and make sure that everything is in line with the initial objectives. I also help the very active and very busy project developer to maintain perspective.
The project developer is also involved in the solidarity action field and wants to combine this with the professional events organisation sector. In this respect, I can contribute an external vision, if not from a consulting then at least from the public’s perspective. I am due to participate in several events, carrying out a mini audit.

The Capa’Cité project was validated by the Foundation’s selection committee last November, how is it progressing?
The project is ready to be rolled out and all purchasing has been completed. The project will be entering the active phase as of March, when the candidates on integration schemes will be able to start their training. At the beginning of March, I will be liaising with Cédric Hervé (head of Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) at the “Cité de Refuge”) on the candidates for the programme, determining the schedule and clarifying everyone’s role. In light of the success of their initiatives in 2017/2018 (80% positive outcomes including 50% in the catering sector), they want to reproduce this project at another site: the “Palais du Peuple”.