The City of Paris has just inaugurated a new facility designed to professionalize its after-school activity leaders, as the capital continues to be shaken by several cases of sexual violence against children. Called the "After-School School," this center, located in the 13th arrondissement, will offer 100 hours of mandatory training to the 3,000 permanent and contract activity leaders in the field.
The city plans to train 500 professionals each year and also aims to expand access to the BAFA (Brevet d'Aptitude aux Fonctions d'Animateur), although it remains optional for working in the field. The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire , has also confirmed his goal of offering contracts to 2,000 additional staff members to reduce job insecurity and staff shortages. However, some unions are cautiously welcoming this training program, pointing out that the courses offered do not lead to any recognized qualifications.
More than 200 criminal investigations are currently underway.
Since February, the 14,000 activity leaders employed by the City, including temporary staff, have been required to complete 48 hours of training focused on preventing sexual violence and inappropriate educational practices. This training is also intended to help the administration identify potential professional incompetence. Emmanuel Grégoire also asserts that over €20 million has already been committed as part of the municipal plan announced in the spring.
The pressure on the mayor's office remains considerable: since the beginning of the year, 132 activity leaders have been suspended, 52 of them for suspected sexual or sexist violence. More than 200 criminal investigations are also reportedly underway in Parisian primary schools and daycare centers. Around fifteen families have announced they are filing a complaint against the City, Emmanuel Grégoire, and Anne Hidalgo , while the mayor is scheduled to appear before the Senate's inquiry commission on after-school programs on September 16.
