High school students from Cayenne wash cars to go to New York

The international class at Melkior-Garré high school, in Cayenne, organized the almost traditional car wash this Saturday. Once again, first-year international students are putting their efforts forward to fund cultural and linguistic exchange in New York. Anyone can help them.

Many keys are lined up on an American flag. A little later, several cars are being polished. This past Saturday morning, instead of the usual conversations between high school students, high pressure cleaners and vacuum cleaners can be heard at Melkior-Garré high school. All to the rhythm of the music distributed by a speaker placed on the floor. Welcome to the high school car wash! It is now a tradition: every year at the same time, first year students organize a car wash morning to finance their stay in the United States. After a two-day stopover in Miami, they must stay in New York.

Rodairidh Craig (right), one of the teachers who will be with the students during the exchange, monitors keys and waiting lists

Created in 2012, the international class is a category of excellence, accessible by competitive examination. « Every year, we offer first-year students the opportunity to participate in an exchange with the Ethical Culture Fieldston school in New York.celebrating Sophie Boucherot, professor of Life and Earth Sciences, who will accompany them. For about ten days, each student will accompany “ a friend », a classmate, during his lessons. With the support of host families, students become familiar with the American way of life, culture and school curriculum. They also have a mission : the presence of Guyanese languages and cultures.

But there is a cost to carrying out such a project at: 60 000 euros at least this year. In addition to a subsidy from the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana, the establishment depends on funding from families, for a third of the cost, and on the money from activities carried out by the students. : the famous car wash and the daily sale of sweets are part of it. « It is a very close grouprecognizes Sophie Boucherot. Only the first year students leave, but there are second or final year students to help them. » There are also students. It was an international class before, they had the opportunity to leave in the past and they came to help in solidarity.

22 students will participate in the cultural exchange this year

For the next exchange in the United States at the beginning of April, 22 students are registered. « Often, the problem is administration. »regret Sophie Boucherot. Of course, depending on the nationality, a student may be required to apply for a visa from the United States embassy. The closest is Paramaribo, Suriname. Last year, due to this visa requirement, out of 23 students, only 15 were able to go to New York.

The sun did not benefit from the encouragement of high school students

Very aware of current events, the students fear that Donald Trump’s coming to power will make things even more difficult for visa applications… Nevertheless, they are still thinking about this trip. « New York is a dream ! Obens came true. Lit was the first time I heard about the international high school class in a TV report about this trip. Gradually, I found this section and the interest in it. I would like to know the American culture better and use my knowledge there. Everything makes me dream : New York, la California…” Like Obens, Flavien is part of the car cleaning team. He lays down his fury for a moment.

From left to right: Flavien, Théophile and Obens

“It is very exciting to prepare for this exchange. I can’t wait to see the statue of liberty, the beaches in Miami. I also want to see how the Americans will deal with the French. I play a lot of video games and chat with people but I’ve never really experienced life.” Théophile also discovers the United States for the first time and shares the same excitement as his companions. « This international section means more hours of classes and work, but I want to do some preparation and I think it will help me »testifying to the high school student.

From left to right: Nathanaël, Bathilde, Nour, Marjane and Chloé

Later, Nathanaël, Bathilde, Nour, Marjane and Chloé use the high pressure cleaner to finish cleaning the car. “Twenty? Twenty-seven?” They don’t even know how much they washed this morning. “It’s tiring under the sun, but there’s a good feeling, music. And it’s worth it! It’s New York! »

High school students make no effort

New activities of this nature will be proposed by the students again and an online prize pool will be opened allowing everyone to make a tax-deductible donation.