For this new actor portrait, we interviewed Zélie, a former TAPAJ participant.
Tell us about yourself !
“My name is Zélie. I’m 25 years old and have been living in Nantes for five years. I am now a former TAPAJ participant. I was part of the program for four years, starting from the very beginning of TAPAJ’s launch in Nantes.”
How did you learn about TAPAJ ?
“When I arrived in Nantes, I started going to the CAARUD L’Acothé, mainly for the day center services. I was a beneficiary of the organization and in a rather precarious situation at the time. I had gotten to know Antoine Ruel, one of the specialized educators involved in setting up the TAPAJ program. He told me about it, and I was immediately very motivated. I took part in the very first work project in Nantes.”
What is your perspective on the TAPAJ program ?
“At first, I found it to be a very innovative program, with no real equivalent. I had an actual employment contract and was a salaried worker. This is very beneficial and encouraging for young people who have no other options and face significant difficulties with professional integration.
I personally received many rejections in my job search, but with TAPAJ, it felt like the work came to me. TAPAJ fills a real need for those under 25 who have no income and therefore can’t access RSA benefits.
I remember being excited to start the projects and I have very positive memories of my experience.”
What types of projects have you worked on ?
“I’ve worked on a wide variety of tasks, and that’s one of the things I appreciate about the TAPAJ program. We had projects with the local government, such as painting street furniture and cleaning public areas.
I also worked with associations, including one in Nantes called La Cocotte Solidaire, which aims to build community connections by organizing activities several times a week.
With that association, we would meet in the morning to cook and then have a shared lunch with a pay-what-you-can system. It was a very enjoyable project with a relaxed atmosphere, which I particularly appreciated.
Additionally, I helped draft the TAPAJ Nantes Code of Good Practices. This document outlines proper behavior on work projects and serves as a set of rules that young participants commit to following.”
You participated in a video project for the TAPAJ network days. What did you think of it ?
“Beyond the project itself, the network days gave me a tangible understanding of the program through my interactions with specialized educators and the many stakeholders who keep TAPAJ running across France throughout the year.
I felt that everyone was deeply committed to the event, with a genuine investment from both educators and professionals. Everyone was approachable and highly motivated to support and promote the program.
As someone who directly benefited from TAPAJ, I really appreciated these days.”
What memories do you have of the TAPAJ program ?
“I still feel very connected to the TAPAJ program, even though I’m 25 and will soon no longer be eligible. I have genuinely good memories of the program and was very happy to still be part of it during the network days.
I believe the program works so well because the educators meet TAPAJ participants on their level, building a relationship of trust. This trust makes it easier to communicate and work together as equals, which is key to the program’s success.”
Who was your most memorable connection ?
“I have a special connection with Antoine Ruel, a TAPAJ educator and program coordinator, but that relationship began even before I joined TAPAJ.
On the work projects, I have great memories of meeting the contracting partners. They would often come to see us, and the interactions were easy and natural. They were always very happy with the work we did through TAPAJ.
We helped break down barriers and change any preconceived notions they might have had about us. With TAPAJ, we show a positive image of young people—an image that challenges stereotypes.”
As a former TAPAJ participant, how did your transition go ?
“My situation has improved. I found housing through an association, which helped me quickly secure a job afterwards.”
Thank you to Zélie for participating in this special TAPAJ participant portrait.
*The name has been changed to protect the anonymity of this young woman.