On the occasion of the day against school failure, Wednesday, the deficiencies created by confinement are brought to light.

But the pairs formed each year by associations show that mutual aid can help to correct things.

Illustration with Océane and Odeline, 15 and 21 years old.

The subject is essential for many parents: while Wednesday is the day to fight against academic failure, confinement and distance school have no doubt worsened dropouts and inequalities.

Everywhere in France, AFEV, an association which fights against academic failure, has a network of volunteers who support children or young college and high school students in difficulty, at home, individually, mainly in working-class neighborhoods.

"We did our best"

Two hours a week since January, Océane, 15, has benefited from the support of Odeline, 21, a philosophy student.

For the student from Nice, school has not always been easy.

Adopted, she arrived from Haiti at the age of 7 and knows better than anyone how school difficulties can be remedied, with support.

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Odeline stepped up her support during confinement, when she saw the college girl drown in organizing her homework.

"She was struggling to get things done on time and we did our best," said the student at the microphone of Europe 1. "In general, we managed to maintain contact every day."

Two points gained on the average

The big weak point of Océane has always been math.

Without anyone at home to help her, the teenager believes she could have dropped out during confinement.

"For some exercises, the teacher could not come individually to explain to us," regrets the high school student.

"He would sometimes take video calling lessons and answer several questions, but I didn't dare ask too many questions."

Thanks to Odeline, Océane managed to reach 9 in maths average, which allowed her to increase her overall average by two points.

She was therefore able to pass in general second this year.

"Odeline has helped me a lot and I don't think I could have succeeded without her", confides the one who is now a high school student.