A trip to the museum, a film screening, the organization of a school party, games for the class… Here are some examples of what the school cooperative can finance. It works thanks to donations from parents, who are called upon to contribute to it this fall. Payments which are not compulsory, but which depend on the goodwill of each one.
For many parents who responded to our call for witnesses, giving to the cooperative is obvious. Like Jessica: “I have two children and it is logical that I give every year. This contributes to the smooth running of their school year thanks to the purchase of equipment and the small outings that they will have the pleasure of doing. For Isabelle, it’s also a natural gesture: “Without this contribution, our children wouldn’t do much outside of school. I have fond memories of my school outings and I would like my children to experience the same and even better. »
“I give 20 euros for my daughter in primary school”
Some parents even consider their participation as a duty: “The school cooperative is a fine institution, and the participation of parents in the life of the neighborhood school is a fine civic gesture. Others donate their little envelope each year somewhat reluctantly, as Estelle explains: “If I want the school to finance outings and fun activities, I have no other choice. What the State chooses not to pay for the education of our children, I put it myself. »
The amount that each is willing to pay is very variable. Samantha, who has two children, gives “15 euros for each every year”. Ardouin 20 and Virginie 50. Lorène varies the participation according to the school level: “I give 20 euros for my daughter in primary school and 10 for my daughter in college. “Just like Mariama:” I give every year 15 euros in kindergarten and 18 in college. »
“I would feel bad not to give”
And if one could believe that only parents at ease financially pay their donation, it is not so. As Rachida testifies: “I’m looking for a job. I am not rolling in gold, far from it, but I consider it my duty to participate in the education of my children, by any means whatsoever”. Sometimes the amount is symbolic: Sabrina gives, for example, 7 euros each year.
And in this time of inflation, some families cannot be as generous as in previous years. Fatou thus made a check for 25 euros, against 50 last year. “I will feel bad not to give even if the situation is difficult,” she comments. Virginie intends to give 20 euros per child, against the usual 50 euros: “With inflation and the cost of the start of the school year, it will be a little more complicated, but we will make the effort. »
“The school was able to buy new bikes”
As for co-op funds, many parents seem to know how they are used. “The school and the parents’ association regularly give us a return of the sums invested. I know that the money is used for the purchase of books, school trips, the Christmas show, the making of gifts for Mother’s and Father’s Day,” says Magalie. “The school was able to buy new bicycles and motor skills equipment, as well as pay for a few outings to the cinema and to the Thoiry zoo,” says Emilie. Virginie remembers that the cooperative of her children’s school “was able to finance places for the circus or the visit of an educational farm. »
Still, some families decide not to give anything. “I know, from the mistresses, that few parents give and that, depending on the year, they can find themselves in difficulty”, notes Anne-Gaëlle. Those who don’t write a check very often have financial difficulties, like Fofo: “I don’t intend to give because it’s expensive. Especially if you multiply the participation by two or three children. Claudia pays nothing and believes she has a good reason for this: “My daughter being disabled, she does not take part in outings and her class attendance is minimal (2 days). So I am not contributing since she will not be involved in any activity…”