The FNOGEC days, from March 9 to 11 - testimony of Sylvie PICARD, vice-president of the National Federation of Ogec.

"Palais du Grand Large, a team that adapted to our constraints

The volunteers of the Ogec network (Catholic Education Management Organizations) were the focus of the days organized by their national federation at the Palais du Grand Large. 500 participants met in Saint-Malo from March 9 to 11, after four years without a congress. Interview with Sylvie Picard, vice-president of the National Federation of Ogec.

Can you introduce us to the National Federation of Ogec?

The federation employs the 90,000 Ogec staff, under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor. Our association also oversees the more than 30,000 volunteers without whom Catholic schools could not function. These women and men give their time and skills to the economic, social and financial management of schools, colleges and high schools, in collaboration with the heads of the establishments.

Why organize days dedicated to them?

To give "pep" to this commitment, to recognize it, to encourage it. And to learn, since our days are becoming more professional. We always leave motivated from these meetings which take place every two years...except this time: the 2021 congress was cancelled due to the health crisis, so we had not seen each other since Pau, in 2019. Our meeting in Saint-Malo was all the more expected! The volunteers worked in workshops, exchanged ideas with high-level speakers, met our partners - insurance companies, mutual insurance companies, banks, collective catering companies, etc. - and attended mini-conferences on their stands in a "village" set up in the Grand Large room.

Work does not prevent conviviality...

It is even essential. This is why we took advantage of a dinner in the Lamenais rotunda, animated by magicians, and proposed to the congressmen some less studious moments, but just as exciting, in particular a conference animated by the Malouin Olivier de la Rivière, entitled " Hissez haut ! La fierté malouine", and thematic visits of the city organized and led by the students of the BTS tourism of La Providence. They took charge of the delegates in groups of 30 people and made them discover the city in a new light, during one hour, before leading them to the Saint-Vincent cathedral to attend a Eucharistic celebration.

Why did you choose Saint-Malo?

We alternate between the sea and the mountains for our Days. It was the sea's turn and the Federation of Ogec of Brittany was very motivated, given the strong presence of Catholic establishments in the region. Why Saint-Malo? Solène Cerisier, PGL's customer manager, met us at a France Congrès trade show and convinced us. The Saint-Malo convention center is the right size for a convention like ours. The building is modern and functional. The team listens to us, responds to our requests and is very agile: we were well taken care of. The proximity of the accommodation, a few minutes walk from the PGL, is important for our delegates. Finally, the view from the Palais du Grand Large is magical!

Interview conducted by : Beatrice Ercksen