Imported Article – 2026-03-23 02:38:03

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, the rural vocational high school Saint-Joseph in Châteaubriant (Loire-Atlantique) organized, on Tuesday, March 3 and 10, 2026, a women’s self-defense workshop for its students.

Châteaubriant: Young people learn self-defense to protect themselves

35 young girls, enrolled in the Vocational Certificate in Personal Services and Rural Space Sales (Cap Sapver) and in the professional second year Services to People and Animation in Territories (Sapat) participated in these two two-hour sessions.

These workshops are part of the “Pathway to Success” program, co-financed by the European Union and the European Social Fund (ESF).

A practical learning experience

“The goal is not to teach how to fight, but to teach how to position oneself,” says Aymeric Tahar, who intervened during these sessions.

“Simple, realistic, and effective: through accessible exercises, participants learn how to assert their posture, set clear boundaries, respond to intimidation or aggression, and build their confidence. It’s a useful, concrete, and powerful moment to leave with reflexes that can make a difference.”

Encouraging cohesion

According to Audrey Derval, reference of the program at Saint-Joseph, these workshops also help strengthen cohesion among students.

“The Pathway to Success program supports students in difficulty,” she explains. “Since the health crisis, we have noticed more students experiencing school phobia or isolation. These activities, like women’s self-defense, laughter yoga, or animal meditation organized at the beginning of the year, help create a climate of trust and support the development of young people.”

A comprehensive program

This program, offered in the schools of the National Council for Private Agricultural Education (CNEAP) network in Pays de la Loire, aims to provide students with tools to better manage their daily lives, both academically and personally, while strengthening their confidence and well-being.