While arts and culture face significant budget cuts, Montreuil has chosen to support creation for all ages. The city's project aims to use literature, illustration, cinema, performing arts, music, dance, theater, and visual arts to help every child grow, discover their talents, find their place, and choose their life.
Patrice Bessac, mayor of Montreuil and president of Est Ensemble, emphasizes the city's responsibility to defend spaces for meeting, creation, and sharing, especially at a time when screens dominate and censorship is increasing. To this end, all CP students in Montreuil receive a free library card to access the territory's 13 libraries and media libraries.
The city also trains its leisure center animators in youth literature and book discovery techniques. Montreuil has 35,000 young people under 25, and access to imagination from an early age is considered a fundamental right for awakening and equality.
Several cultural events are organized for youth: the Month of Early Childhood in October, the MARMOE festival (Month of Arts in Montreuil for Childhood) until November 29, and the Book and Youth Press Fair from November 25 to 30. These will be followed by Contes en stocks and the high school students' Public Speaking Competition.
These initiatives aim to provide quality artistic experiences, encourage the development of critical thinking and the ability to live together. Public policies, supported by over one million euros for the 2026-2027 school year, cover extracurricular, school, artistic, cultural, sports, and health and citizenship education activities.
These actions are part of the Territorial Educational Project (PEDT) « RÊVE » (succeeding together for an emancipatory city), which aims to offer a coherent educational path for young people aged 0 to 18, based on equality, participation, and emancipation.
From November 19 to December 7, a series of events will address children's rights, parenting, inclusion, health in the face of screens, and gender equality. Dominique Attia, municipal councilor for childhood, after-school care, and children's rights, highlights the importance of these societal issues and the funding of quality public service.
For teenagers aged 11 to 17, six youth centers offer academic support through the CLAS program. The Educational Success Program (PRE) specifically supports 180 children per year, with the help of five specialized professionals. Temporarily excluded middle school students are also welcomed at the PRE to work on their vulnerabilities.
For 16-25 year olds who have left school, the Inter-municipal Mission for Youth Employment (MIEJ) offers personalized support for training and professional integration. The Youth Information Point at the Town Hall provides advice on orientation, internships, and employment. The SOS Rentrée program assisted 'Parcoursup rejects' and internship applicants until October 31.
