Rules of life

How to make the most of your experience at Chantier Solidaire

Chantier Solidaire is open to anyone aged 18 or over, regardless of cultural or religious beliefs. It takes place from the 15th of June until the 15th of September. You can enrol for a week, or longer. Chantier Solidaire is structured around voluntary activity. Travelling expenses are your responsibility, while the Communauté Emmaüs Lescar-Pau takes care of bed and board for each participant. Our liability insurance covers all members of the European Union in the event of an accident. Non-EU members must take out liability insurance in their own country, before their arrival. This must be presented when you enrol. Medical expenses are also your responsibility. If you are an EU member, remember to bring your European Health card when you come.

Below are some basic rules which will help you make the most of your experience at Chantier Solidaire, in the heart of the Communauté Emmaüs Lescar-Pau.

Welcome

• When you enrol, make sure you give a week's notice before you come, by confirming the precise time and place of your arrival in Pau, either at Pau train station, or Pau-Pyrenees airport. (Warning! Emails are never checked on Sundays or Mondays.) We keep the schedule of arrivals updated. Someone will be there to meet you at the given time and place. When you arrive, if there is no one there to collect you after half an hour, call the Community on 0559811782.
• When you arrive, after being welcomed, you will be given the tour of the Communauté Emmaüs Lescar-Pau, in order to get a proper idea of what you have signed up for.
• Don't hesitate to question the Chantier Solidaire team about anything you would like to know. The group leaders will be introduced to you when you arrive.

Your stay

• You will be housed in a communal area. Please remember to bring a sleeping bag.
• The Chantier Solidaire group is self-sufficient; however it adheres to the general rules of the Communauté Emmaüs Lescar-Pau. Once a week, the activities of Chantier Solidaire are planned. Everyone signs up for an activity on the rota. Nobody is exempt from doing this. Chantier Solidaire's success is based on having respect for the tasks that you are given.
• By enrolling in Chantier Solidaire, you automatically commit yourself to respecting the rhythm of activity in the Community.
• Selective sorting of rubbish is strongly upheld in the Communauté Emmaüs Lescar-Pau. Respect this! Don't just throw cigarette ends anywhere!
• Don't waste water, food or electricity!
• An internet room is available to everyone. Use of the computers is primarily for checking emails or doing research. When the internet room gets crowded, use of the computers is limited to 15 minutes per day, per person.
• Conditional borrowing of a bike is possible.
• Once a week, a debating night is scheduled. Attendance is compulsory for everyone.
• Consumption of drugs and alcohol is forbidden inside the Community.
• Respect everyone's differences.
• Any concerns, suggestions or criticisms? Don't hesitate to approach one of the Chantier Solidaire group leaders. If you like, you can even speak to Germain, the head of the Community. He is here to answer your questions.

Departure

• Don't leave it until the last minute to organise and inform us of your departure.
• Leave the place as clean as it was when you arrived, or cleaner!
• If you are part of Chantier Solidaire and have been present in the Community for more than a week, you can take a half-day to prepare your departure, and even do a bit of shopping at Emmaüs! Be sure to notify one of the Chantier Solidaire group leaders.