“Restoring confidence in gypsy students so that they come to school and flourish there”: the appeal of the Montpellier school inspector

Frédéric Miquel launches an appeal for the school through his book. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Through his book “Our school: appeal to those who miss it”, Frédéric Miquel challenges gypsy families and raises the issue of access to school for all and the questions that arise from it.

In charge of the schooling of gypsy children in the region, Frédéric Miquel, an inspector in the Montpellier Academy, made this disturbing observation: absenteeism at school is over-represented in gypsy families.

Since 2021 when he took office, he has been working wholeheartedly on this mission to reconcile gypsies and schools. A real ant's work to obtain results that he considers essential.

Because it is inconceivable that some children are left aside. “These absentees not only miss school but they also miss school. I am very attached to this principle of reciprocity.”

In any case, this is the message he wants to convey through his work, which is aimed at gypsy families and others. Society cannot be satisfied that some cannot integrate into this fundamental educational system.

Because “school is the development of a child, it is to be able to give each one what he needs so that he reveals himself and finally becomes what he is.”

The causes

Even if his remarks obviously do not include all gypsy families – many children from this community follow a regular schooling – we must understand why a certain number do not integrate into the school environment. And the causes are multiple.

The inspector relates the list: the not always very good relations between the French State and the Gypsy community throughout History which has inevitably left some traces. Hence the fear of entrusting one's child to a state body. There is also the fear that the child will not be happy or that he will distance himself from the community because of the social mix “and that the school will in some way “de-Gypsyize” the child”, the expert adds.

And on the side of the institution, he underlines a form of “discouragement and fatalism” that is both understandable and unacceptable. While specifying that we must “pay tribute to the teachers who have to manage students who are outside the framework.” Explanations to take into account to find solutions.

Solutions

And for Frédéric Miquel, they exist, “even if it's long”. Its main objective is to restore trust through several actions: meeting outside the school walls, links with associations, an educational alliance. It also involves recruiting educational facilitators who support students according to their needs.

Without forgetting to enforce the law that applies to everyone. Since school is compulsory in France, absenteeism is not allowed.

For results

Especially since the work undertaken works. “We get results and once habits are ingrained they stay. The example of Port Marianne College is the embodiment that it is possible, with a very high attendance rate. Trust has been established.”

An invitation to reflect

Through his writing, Frédéric Miquel invites us to reflect on what society expects from school. “Absenteeism calls into question the project of the republican school, it must make us evolve, question ourselves and push us to be better.” A real plea for a school open to all and where everyone has their place.

“Our school: call to those who miss it, to meet gypsy families” by Frédéric Miquel, Champ social éditions, 16 euros. A meeting with the author is organized this Wednesday, December 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Île aux Familles Caf, at 410 avenue de Barcelone in Montpellier.