The young elected officials of the new cohort of the Youth Municipal Council (CMJ) of Étampes participated in their first plenary session on Wednesday, October 7, in the Council room of the Marcel-Lafouasse Public Services House. Welcomed by the Mayor of Étampes, Gilles Bayart, Fatimata Bâ, Deputy Mayor in charge of Youth and Neighborhoods, Hervé Goguet, Director of Youth Information Services, and Coralie Malec, CMJ coordinator, the young councilors officially took up their duties in the presence of their parents.
After a welcome address and a speech by the Mayor, each young councilor was presented with their tricolor sash before speaking to present their initial ideas and aspirations for the town. An official photograph was then taken to commemorate this first session. Gilles Bayart reminded the CMJ members that they now have a real place in the life of the commune, stating, 'You have a place to speak, propose ideas, ask questions, and make heard what all the children in our city are experiencing.'
The Mayor also encouraged them to use their perspective as children to identify what is working well in their school, neighborhood, or frequented places, as well as what could be improved. Topics such as the environment, sports, solidarity, and school facilities were among the first proposals mentioned, reflecting the diversity of their interests. This new cohort will have the opportunity to work on projects directly concerning the daily lives of young Étampois residents. The Mayor mentioned discussions around installing misting systems in schoolyards and air conditioning equipment planned for next spring. A visit to the Senate is also announced during their term to help them understand the functioning of republican institutions.
Fatimata Bâ emphasized that young people's voices must be heard today, stating, 'We often hear that children are the future of tomorrow. But today, children represent the present.' This philosophy will guide this new mandate of the CMJ, aiming to generate ideas and contribute, at its own scale, to the life of the commune. The City wishes all the young councilors a successful term, focused on listening, participation, and action.
