The City of Lourdes has taken a new step in its commitment to reception and integration by signing, with the State, the Territorial Contract for Reception and Integration for the period 2026-2027. Lourdes was the only municipality in the department to engage in this initiative, organized as part of the 6th edition of the National Integration Week.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of this commitment, recalling that reception is at the heart of Lourdes' identity, a city that has welcomed people from all over the world for over a century and a half, including Spanish families and people from Ukraine. He specified that hospitality must be accompanied by respect for rights and duties.
Integration, beyond reception, involves learning French, access to public services, employment, housing, education, and health. The CTAI aims to strengthen cooperation between the State, the City, local authorities, associations, and various local actors, constituting a 'concrete action plan' adapted to the territory.
Several concrete actions were presented, including an initiative by France Travail, GRETA, and the association Pyrène Plus, combining French language learning and professional integration in high-demand jobs. The National Education system and social services also presented programs such as 'Open the School to Parents for Children's Success'.
The signing brought together numerous partners, including the State services, France Travail, the Mission Locale, the National Education, the Department, the Region, social organizations, the CCAS, SIMAJE, as well as the associations France Terre d’Asile, the third place Amassa, and the association L’Étoile bleue.
