Social and Employment
Place
Gard department of France, France
Sponsor
Pascal Aliaga
Grant(s)
€7,500 to the Selection Committee at 2005/02/08
Project leader
EVI (Espaces verts insertion)
« Given the increase in construction work in the region and the desire of the EVI staff, I think this project has every chance of succeeding. Helping people in need is definitely a good thing. »
Pascal Aliaga
Unfortunately, the Gard Department of France has several hard-hit occupational groups, which has caused it to hold an unhappy record: one of the highest unemployment rates in France. Since 1989, the Espaces Verts Insertion (EVI) Association is battling this situation by working, then and now, for the employment of jobless people.
It has developed in two areas: maintenance of green spaces and construction work, with a specialisation in building and restoring individual houses. It employs nine permanent staff and 17 people making the transition to full-time work. But the need to create new jobs isn't diminishing.
A new extension
It employs nine permanent staff and 17 people making the transition to full-time work.
Given its experience and knowledge of the local market, EVI has expanded its business by opening a new branch in the "Vivre en Cévennes" community, around Saint-Julien-les-Rosiers, near Alès. With the support of its usual partners — the Departmental Directorate for Labour and Employment, the local authorities, the Local Plan for In-Placement and Employment and the European Social Fund — EVI has been awarded the job of refurbishing the lift compartments in the buildings of the Public Housing Office of the city of Alès.
This meant a good start for the new branch. In addition, it has consolidated its construction business.
The Veolia foundation grant of €7,500 was used to purchase another dumpster. The new vehicle helped keep up with the new projects.