FORTHEM ALL: students mobilize for inclusivity at FORTHEM alliance universities

From March 17 to 21, UBE welcomed 17 students from partner universities of the FORTHEM Alliance for a week of workshops and exchanges on the inclusivity of university campuses.

The FORTHEM Alliance, committed to developing cooperation between European universities, put the emphasis on issues of sustainable development and inclusion. These themes are addressed by two expert units, including the Diversity and Inclusion Unit, which has initiated this short mobility to support and provide tools for students wishing to take action in favor of a more inclusive university environment.

Expert speakers provide food for thought

Throughout the week, participants benefited from presentations by specialists in the field. Marie-Lou Noirot, coordinator of the “Volunteers and Disability” programs for Paris 2024, and Sébastien Verdin, member of the French wheelchair rugby team, shared their experiences and put forward case studies on the inclusion of people with disabilities. These exchanges addressed the issues of accessibility and inclusive commitment within higher education establishments.

Sharing experiences between universities

The students also had the opportunity to present the existing schemes at their respective universities. At UBE, several initiatives in favor of inclusion were highlighted, such as: the Commission Solidarité Étudiante (Student Solidarity Commission), the DU Passerelle (Gateway DU for students in exile) and the VSS (fight against sexist and sexual violence) program, which guarantees a safer and more accessible study environment for all.

The AlphaLéo association (part of the Léo Lagrange federation) brought further light on the gaps that still exist in terms of inclusion, and on the methodologies for identifying and resolving these issues.

Concrete projects for a more inclusive future

At the end of the week, students worked in groups to develop concrete projects aimed at improving the inclusivity of their campuses. This work led to the design of two initiatives, which will now be supported and promoted within the FORTHEM alliance.

This short mobility program has strengthened links between students, while giving them the tools to become agents of change within their universities. Another step towards more open, supportive and inclusive campuses!