2024-09-18 05:47:36
It has become a real headache for many municipalities: finding the rare pearl, an activity leader or a “temporary worker” for after-school activities. Whether it is before school, during the lunch break with the canteen or after school. This is also the case for leisure centers. In Asnières-sur-Seine (Hauts-de-Seine) where due to a lack of supervisors, the number of places has been limited on Wednesdays. The case can also arise during school holidays when the number of places can be reduced or activities cancelled.
A problem that is not new but that seems to be accelerating, despite attempts to revitalize this sector of activity, which is nevertheless crucial for municipalities. Without falling into these extremes, in Strasbourg as in many other communities, the city is recruiting and wants to make it known. In addition to 300 Atsem, the Alsatian capital has 210 animators and 800 temporary workers. If at the start of the 2024 school year, there are still 19 unfilled positions among animators, it is especially among temporary workers that things are stuck. Of the 800 positions needed, 150 are still missing.
The reason? Not enough applications, people who were not “compatible” with the position or who simply did not follow up after an interview, explains Syamak Agha Babaei, first deputy mayor of Strasbourg. But the elected official especially points to “the lack of recognition of the profession, disjointed schedules, the lack of full-time staff”, which would also explain a disruptive turnover for services, of almost 50% among temporary workers.
“If we want to retain people in the long term, we will have to increase the hourly volumes, and eventually, employ these people. Not as temporary workers, but as contract workers. We need to change software, says Syamak Agha Babaei. We will also have to invest in training, because I don’t see how we can continue in this situation. We need to promote these professions that are essential for families and children, and so we will have to devote resources to them, recognize the arduous nature of these care professions, working closely with children.”
An animation plan of 25 measures and 64 million euros of investment
Table of Contents
- 1 An animation plan of 25 measures and 64 million euros of investment
- 2 37% more BAFA in 2022
- 3 What are the main challenges municipalities face in recruiting activity leaders for after-school programs?
- 4 * What are the main reasons municipalities in France are struggling to recruit activity leaders for after-school programs?
Table of Contents
An observation shared by Rozenn Merrien, president of National Association of Directors and Executives of Education in Cities and Local Authorities (Andev). In particular on the status of temporary workers and the precariousness it entails, or even the need to organize working time with split hours. While it recognizes, however, that the situation in animation has eased somewhat compared to after Covid, a period when nearly 40% of teams were missing, there are still between 10 and 20% of positions to be filled. Andev also insists on training. Such as, among other things, the essential BAFA (certificate of aptitude for the functions of animator).
Aware of the problem, communities, government, elected officials from all sides continue to mobilize. Animation conferences have already been launched by the Secretary of State in charge of Youth and Universal National Service in 2021, with the aim of trying to respond to the deep difficulties encountered by the sector, both in the after-school and extracurricular sectors. Following these meetings, the government presented a plan in February 2022, comprising 25 measures for a total investment of 64 million euros.
37% more BAFA in 2022
Several measures have already been implemented, such as the possibility for unqualified facilitators to benefit from certified training with the support of the State. Access to the BAFA was supported by lowering the age to 16, and aid of 200 euros was granted to 27,000 young people for this training. Result: a 37% increase in the number of BAFA issued in 2022.
“We also need to provide the opportunity to have real professional development,” explains Rozenn Merrien. The BAFA or the brevet d’aptitude aux fonctions de directeur (BAFD) allow you to supervise children and adolescents during your free time and holidays. But “these are actually entry-level training courses for a student job, not for hiring a profession animation. This is also why, at the end of the animation conference, a professional animation baccalaureate, two years of training was created”, explains the president of Andev. The first promotions came out in 2023. It remains to develop their distribution because for the moment “these training courses are not yet offered throughout the national territory”.
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What are the main challenges municipalities face in recruiting activity leaders for after-school programs?
The Ongoing Struggle to Find Activity Leaders and Temporary Workers for After-School Activities
It has become a pressing concern for many municipalities: finding the elusive activity leader or temporary worker for after-school activities. Whether it’s before school, during lunch breaks, or after school, the lack of supervisors is a widespread issue that affects not only schools but also leisure centers. This shortage is particularly evident during school holidays, when the number of places available can be reduced or activities canceled altogether.
Despite efforts to revitalize this crucial sector, the problem persists, with many communities struggling to recruit and retain activity leaders and temporary workers. In Asnières-sur-Seine, for instance, the number of places has been limited on Wednesdays due to a lack of supervisors. In Strasbourg, the city is actively recruiting, but still has 19 unfilled positions among animators and 150 vacant positions among temporary workers.
The Reasons Behind the Shortage
According to Syamak Agha Babaei, first deputy mayor of Strasbourg, the reasons behind the shortage are multifaceted. Not enough applications, incompatible candidates, and a lack of follow-up after interviews are significant contributing factors. However, he believes that the primary issues lie in the lack of recognition of the profession, disjointed schedules, and the lack of full-time staff. This has led to a disruptive turnover rate of almost 50% among temporary workers.
The Need for Recognition and Training
Rozenn Merrien, president of the National Association of Directors and Executives of Education in Cities and Local Authorities (Andev), echoes Syamak Agha Babaei’s concerns. She emphasizes the need to recognize the arduous nature of care professions and invest in training to retain staff in the long term. The status of temporary workers and the precariousness it entails must also be addressed.
The Government’s Response
In response to the crisis, the government has launched animation conferences and presented a plan comprising 25 measures with a total investment of 64 million euros. Several measures have already been implemented, including certified training for unqualified facilitators and access to the BAFA (certificate of aptitude for the functions of animator) for 16-year-olds. The results are promising, with a 37% increase in the number of BAFA issued in 2022.
The Way Forward
To address the shortage, it is essential to provide real professional development opportunities for activity leaders and temporary workers. The BAFA and BAFD (brevet d’aptitude aux fonctions de directeur) are entry-level certifications that allow individuals to supervise children and adolescents during free time and holidays. However, Rozenn Merrien emphasizes the need for further training and recognition to promote these essential professions.
the shortage of activity leaders and temporary workers for after-school activities is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. By recognizing the value of these professions, investing in training, and addressing the underlying issues, we can ensure that our children and adolescents receive the care and support they need outside of regular school hours.
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Discover the challenges facing municipalities in recruiting activity leaders and temporary workers for after-school activities. Learn about the reasons behind the shortage and the measures being taken to address this critical issue.
Header Tags:
H1: The Ongoing Struggle to Find Activity Leaders and Temporary Workers for After-School Activities
H2: An Animation Plan of 25 Measures and 64 Million Euros of Investment
H2: 37% More BAFA in 2022
* What are the main reasons municipalities in France are struggling to recruit activity leaders for after-school programs?
The Ongoing Struggle: Municipalities Face Difficulty Recruiting Activity Leaders for After-School Programs
As the new school year approaches, municipalities across France are facing a daunting challenge: finding qualified activity leaders for after-school programs. This issue is not new, but it seems to be accelerating, despite efforts to revitalize the sector. The consequences are severe, with some communities limiting the number of places available on Wednesdays or even canceling activities during school holidays.
The Alarming Shortage of Temporary Workers
In Strasbourg, for example, the city has 210 animators and 800 temporary workers. However, 150 temporary worker positions remain unfilled, and 19 animator positions are still vacant. The first deputy mayor, Syamak Agha Babaei, attributes the shortage to a lack of applications, incompatible candidates, and a high turnover rate among temporary workers. He highlights the need for recognition of the profession, regular schedules, and full-time employment to retain staff.
An Animation Plan: 25 Measures and 64 Million Euros of Investment
To address these challenges, the government has presented a comprehensive plan comprising 25 measures and investing 64 million euros. Several initiatives have already been implemented, such as certified training for unqualified facilitators and financial support for young people to obtain the BAFA (certificate of aptitude for the functions of animator). As a result, there has been a 37% increase in the number of BAFA issued in 2022.
The Main Challenges in Recruiting Activity Leaders
Rozenn Merrien, president of the National Association of Directors and Executives of Education in Cities and Local Authorities (Andev), stresses that the main challenges in recruiting activity leaders include:
- The lack of recognition of the profession, leading to a lack of applications and a high turnover rate.
- Disjointed schedules and precarious employment conditions, making it difficult to attract and retain staff.
- The need for training and professional development opportunities to ensure that activity leaders have the necessary skills and qualifications.
The Importance of Animation Professionals
Activity leaders play a crucial role in providing support to families and children, and their work requires a high level of dedication and expertise. By recognizing the value of these professions and investing in training and professional development, communities can ensure that they have the qualified staff they need to provide high-quality after-school programs.
A Call to Action
The ongoing struggle to recruit activity leaders for after-school programs is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By working together, municipalities, governments, and elected officials can develop solutions to attract and retain qualified staff, provide training and professional development opportunities, and recognize the essential role that activity leaders play in supporting families and children.
Key Takeaways
* Municipalities across