With Maxi Entrepreneurs, teens develop their self-confidence - GettyImages

To well-born souls, value does not wait for the number of years. Nor the end of confinement. In Paris, the Maxi Entrepreneurs association works so that adolescents can give their time as volunteers, which the law allows, but which the majority of parents and children ignore, leaving a large reservoir of potential aid for associations untapped. Even more interesting potential in these times of crisis.

Since its creation, a year ago, Maxi Entrepreneurs has mobilized young volunteers from 13 to 17 years old on several projects, including the organization of TEDx Kids, the first conference created and organized by teens for teens.

Nice to meet young girls who are committed, passionate and motivated! I congratulate their #TEDxKids project, made by teens, for teens, in order to be good in their life, to promote respect for themselves and others and creativity! Well done to them! pic.twitter.com/9Tui1MSkz9

- Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) June 6, 2019

"We are not looking to make our teens young entrepreneurs, but many young entrepreneurs," says the founder of the association Cécile Flasaquier. We want them to have enough self-confidence to become actors of their own future. ” And their present, that of confinement, where time is not lacking and opportunities to mobilize either.

A square anniversary

When quarantine time came, Cécile Flasaquier therefore spread the message around them: "her" young people were ready to help. The first requests arrived, modest. Like that of Ada Laferrère. “I have to celebrate my birthday on Saturday (April 4, for those who wish to wish him). I realized that I would be alone, sick - I caught the virus -, while I am very family. A friend told me that young kids could help me organize a birthday videoconference. "

It was not so much the complexity of the task - Ada is director of communications for the aspiring Museum and we imagine her rather comfortable with digital tools - that decided her to call on Maxi Entrepreneurs.

“Young people of that age, who are motivated and embark on this process, I really liked it. They are of an age when they are still children, very endearing, and at the same time capable of explaining things in a very square way as an adult. They organized everything with a link. I just have to send this to my whole family. April 4 at lunch we will all be there. "

Teens, doctors of social networks

On the other side of the WhatsApp thread, which was used for the explanations, it is Tristan, 13 years old who took things in hand. The college boy was conducting his first operation there with the Maxi Entrepreneurs. He fully invested in his mission. "First I looked for the maximum number of people that each application allowed to connect," he recalls. I was thinking of using House Party but it is limited to 8 people. I recommended Zoom to her, in the end, because we can be 100 people at the same time, but I alerted her to the risks. It is an application that has flaws, ”warns the very serious teenager, who has already had virtual lessons on Zoom twice since the start of confinement.

"I'm ready to help other people, it's fun," adds Tristan. Most of the time it is adults who teach us things. There, it proves that even by being smaller, we can teach things to adults. "

Julien, 15, agrees. The Ile-de-France high school student helped a painting teacher to improve her presence on Instagram during confinement. "His page had to be easy to understand," he explains. It's nice to feel useful, to help especially that we don't have much to do at the moment. I spend a lot of time on Instagram, so it's easier for me. "

"Who better than teens can help others use social networks?" Confirms Cécile Flasaquier. A good ten of them have come forward to lead this kind of initiative. If other people need help, we are there. And if there is room for Ada's virtual birthday, let her know that Tristan is available. "I don't think she invited me," he said, surprised to be asked the question. But I'm available, yes! Maxi-entrepreneurs still have free mini-slots ...

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