Paris region
“Objectif clique” :
Through the eyes of young people, a new story
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, six young people participating in a job-integration program—part of Apprentis d’Auteuil’s Impact Jeunes Île-de-France initiative—have joined “Objectif Clique,” a project focused on artistic expression and cultural enrichment through photography. Guided by professional photographer Jeanne Frank, they explored the medium of photography as a way to express themselves differently, free from the obstacles of everyday life.
Project supported by the Fondation Foujita.
Restoring confidence: A project that puts young people at the center
Within the program, the young people receiving support often find themselves in highly vulnerable situations: dropping out of school, lacking a support network, facing difficulties with career guidance, or seeking recognition of a disability. Based in the heart of the priority neighborhoods of Saint-Ouen (93), the program aims to find a path to integration for each young person through comprehensive, tailored support.
His approach is based, in particular, on the “outreach” model: reaching out to so-called “invisible” young people—also known as NEETS (not in employment, education, or training)—who do not receive support from public services, and connecting them with institutions, organizations, and businesses within a limited area.
To address these realities and empower them, the “Objectif Clique” project provided them with a space for self-expression where each person could regain control over their image and their life path. Participants were encouraged to discover their strengths, recognize their creativity, and build a positive self-image—all of which are essential for looking toward the future.
“Some participants shared that they had discovered a creative side within themselves that they never knew they had. They particularly appreciated that the project allowed them to highlight their professional journeys, while also bringing attention to the challenges they’ve faced and their resilience. This approach made them feel heard and recognized for their stories. The young people’s testimonials all agree that this project inspired them to take public speaking or theater classes to improve their public speaking skills.”
Workshops to discover and express yourself
Over the course of the six-week project, the young people participated in a series of workshops designed to gradually help them embrace photography as a tool for personal expression. After an introductory session led by Jeanne Frank, the guest photographer, the young people learned to explore lighting, framing, and composition before creating their own photographs in small groups. Each session encouraged mutual support, active listening, and collective reflection on the images produced: What does this photo tell us? What emotion does it convey? What part of ourselves do we want to show?
With the support of regional mentors Claire Lafargue and Maïté Champigny, the young people were able to experiment, build confidence, and refine their artistic vision, eventually choosing for themselves the locations, poses, angles, and quotes that would shape their portraits. These hands-on workshops served as a true springboard for unleashing their creativity and highlighting their personal journeys.
“The short format is ideal and well-suited to the constraints young people face. What I particularly appreciated was that an atmosphere of trust was established right from the first workshop. The group’s kindness—with everyone respecting each other’s experiences—fostered a rich and respectful dynamic.”
The project concluded with a two-part presentation designed to highlight the progress the young people had made. Initially displayed within the program, the collaborative mural—featuring portraits of the young people and quotes reflecting their identities, life stories, and ambitions—was later presented to the public during the Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine Educational City Festival.
At their dedicated booth, the young people took the floor to describe the project, explain their artistic choices, and share what they had gained from the experience. This opportunity to take center stage, in a supportive and empowering environment, was a highlight: it boosted their self-confidence, their ability to speak in public, and their sense of legitimacy.
By giving their creations and voices tangible visibility, the “Objectif Clique” project has helped to:
- To build youth self-confidence through public speaking through public speaking, encouragement from the group, and public recognition of their work.
- Develop their ability to work in groups, collaborate on a collective project, and develop a shared vision, while fostering mutual respect and solidarity.
- Strengthen their writing and public speaking skills, which are essential for learning to tell their own stories—a valuable asset when preparing for interviews, writing a resume, or planning a training or job placement program.
Discover the booklet with photos of the workshop!
