Gergy – The defense class program is booming

Launched in 2007, the defense class program aims to promote meetings and exchanges between students and the military. To do this, each participating teacher works in partnership with a sponsoring military unit. “The defense class can be integrated into different subjects, for example, in history or as part of career exploration,” explains Sandrine Dominguez, deputy principal at René-Cassin high school in Mâcon, who oversees the project at the departmental level for the national education system. She emphasizes “an institutional willingness to develop this program” and notes that “the rally is fully financed by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.”

Three classes in 2020, 23 today

This willingness seems to be bearing fruit. The program is growing exponentially. In 2020, three classes were counted in Saône-et-Loire. This year, there are 23 with 13 middle school classes and 10 high school classes. And this is true for both general and vocational and agricultural tracks.

“Before, I used to approach the institutions. Today, it’s the institutions that come to see me,” appreciates Lieutenant Colonel Ronin Cottin, the military departmental delegate based in Mâcon. Four institutions are currently waiting for a sponsoring military unit in order to launch new defense classes.