As every year since 1979, the French Secours Populaire organizes the "Forgotten Holidays Day" for children who have not had the chance to leave. Malika Tabti, national secretary of the association, returns on this initiative at the microphone of Europe1.

INTERVIEW

This Wednesday is the traditional "Forgotten Holiday Day" for all children who can not leave this summer. In France, nearly one in three children can not leave and "50.00 children are expected today," said Malika Tabti. Outings to the sea, in the mountains, in amusement parks, everything is done for these children to spend an exceptional moment.

For 5,000 Ile-de-France, aged between 6 and 12 years old, it's direction Deauville. "A hundred buses have already left this morning (Wednesday morning) and 1,500 volunteers have prepared everything for several days to welcome them in the best conditions," said the National Secretary of the Popular Rescue at the microphone of Europe 1.

"A social marker for adults and children"

Malika Tabti recalls that "one day is very important for these children" while "for a long time, some people wondered what was the point of starting a day." The survey published by the Jean Jaurès Foundation in July reminds us that the French of the lower classes and those of wealthier backgrounds have a completely different relation to holidays. "(The absence of holidays) is a social marker for adults, symbolizes a deterioration in their financial situation, and even more for a child who spends almost two months at the foot of his city or in front of his television," said Malika Tabti.

"It's also important to be able to tell, at least one day, her holidays in a composition for the back to school," she continues before evoking the "emotion" of a 9-year-old girl who saw for the first time the sea

200,000 children go on vacation thanks to Secours populaire

Malika Tabti points out that more than 200,000 children go on holiday thanks to Secours populaire: "There are volunteer families who welcome children all summer and families who take a child with them for holidays on a campsite or on the edge of the sea." Nevertheless, Malika Tabti is worried about Secours populaire funding: "These days are possible thanks to the mobilization of volunteers, partners and we need financial means today." A day of holidays for a child represents a donation 50 euros and this exceptional day will mark his life. "

The renouncement of holidays affects more and more French people. "We are seeing an increase in poverty, its intensification and, as a result, holidays are the first thing that is suppressed," said the association leader.