About a hundred children grew up here.
The Persian branch of the SOS children's village association celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday.
It was in 2010 that this group of houses opened, where children are placed by the Social Assistance to Children (ASE).
Nothing distinguishes these accommodations in the middle of this subdivision of the Fresnoys district.
These eleven pavilions have 45 reception places, plus five places for emergency situations.
It is here that Lordina, 18 years old, mistress of ceremony of this anniversary, grew up.
On stage, his eloquence and calm impress. “It's been 10 years since I was placed here. 10 years is enormous ”, relates the young girl to the microphone. She was 8 years old, her brother Johnny was 14. They came from a different kind of household. This placement in the Persian Children's Village allowed them to live in the same house, with their two little twin brothers who were 2 years old when he arrived. Enabling siblings to grow up together has been the heart of the SOS Children's Villages project since 1956.
"There is already a family break with the placement, so the idea is to avoid a new break between brothers and sisters", explains Séverine Liberal, director of the Persan branch, for four years.
The other principle that governs children's villages is to offer family-type support.
In each of these 170-square-meter homes, three to six children live with a family educator who stays with them for three-week periods.
"They are for me a family"
At the end of this period, she rotates with a caregiver who takes over this role for two weeks.
"It will allow emotional stability, so the children will be able to devote themselves to their lives," adds Séverine Liberal.
This coaching work represents a strong commitment and the structure is always looking for candidates ready to take on this role.
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“If I have been able to flourish here, it is thanks to the educators, but also to the many children with whom I have lived.
They are for me a family, the family that I lost, the family that I chose, ”Lordina emphasizes at the microphone.
He had two sisters who lived in the lodge where she arrived.
One of them, now 26 years old and mother of two, returns regularly to see Lordina and her brothers.
In this house, she describes a normal life made up of meals taken together, homework, games, vacations.
She does not feel deferential to children who grew up with their parents.
Often, she prefers to keep this peculiarity silent for fear of receiving looks of pity.
Do not leave without opportunities
Lordina does not have to be ashamed of her journey. A good student, she graduated with honors last year. She has a bachelor's degree in applied foreign languages in Mandarin English at the University of Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine) while working in a fast-food restaurant. His brother, who is now 25 years old and lives in Paris, has completed a master's degree in political and ethical philosophy and is heading towards business creation. She wishes to continue in international relations and work at Unesco in the field of education.
Within a few months, she will be leaving the Persian Children's Village.
“As soon as I find accommodation, I will leave.
It could be difficult if I hadn't been prepared for it, ”she says.
Since the first day she arrived in this structure, she has known that she will have to leave it.
“Other children can stay with their parents for up to 25 years.
We know that it will not be possible, ”she adds.
"We do not let go until we have a solution for them," says Séverine Liberal.
The association strives to support young adults who need support after going to the children's village.
“Even later, the association will still be there.
It's like a big family, ”she emphasizes.
