Learning to express your emotions

by Cédric Menard
Educational Coordinator for Imagine Educational Programs

At the Roissy airport complex in France, the Jeremy association trains job seekers each year for airport-related professions, including ground staff, security officers, mechanics, and flight crew, among others… Although these training programs are free and lead to certification, Jeremy has found that, for some young people referred by local employment agencies, jumping straight into a training program is too abrupt. Difficulty envisioning their future, complicated relationships with school or institutions, lack of confidence… Even before learning a trade, many need to understand where they stand and what they want.

“I felt a sense of calm because, right now,
I’m feeling a little stressed, and we talked about our emotions.”
Zahra – Jérémy’s intern

To address this need, the association reached out to our NGO to design a specialized module called “Immersion Before Takeoff,” focused on self-awareness, collective reflection, and individual responsibility. The goal: to create a buffer zone between uncertainty and commitment—a moment to pause and reflect before taking the plunge.

“I felt curious, happy, eager to learn,
and a little sad that it was coming to an end.”
Dylan – Jérémy’s intern

Mostly referred by local employment agencies, the young people participating in this module have often had unstable academic histories or inconclusive early work experiences. For the third consecutive year, Le Projet Imagine has organized participatory sessions combining self-awareness, psychology, philosophy, and reflection on daily life. Far from a traditional classroom setting, these sessions encourage self-expression, discussion, and putting their experiences into perspective. Participants discover that they can analyze a situation, articulate a point of view, listen to others’ perspectives, and connect their own experiences to new concepts.

“I think it’s always interesting to hear other people’s opinions on the views
I might have.”
Mohamed – Jérémy’s intern

This module is not intended to make decisions for them, but rather to provide them with guidance to help them better understand their situation. In this way, it helps prepare them for a more thoughtful transition into education or employment, transforming a path that is often imposed upon them into a journey they gradually choose for themselves.

“I really loved the session on prejudices and stereotypes—honestly,
it was so interesting. We got to talk about a lot of prejudices,
and everyone participated, and that’s what I really liked about it.”
Line—Jérémy’s intern