Mayotte’s Innovative Approach to Social Enterprise: A Model for Overseas Territories?
Mayotte, a French overseas territory, is pioneering a novel approach to bolstering its social and solidarity economy (ESS). Recognizing the unique challenges posed by a young population, a fragile associative sector, and a large informal economy, the local Chamber of Regional ESS (CRESS) has launched the Institut Fikiri – a training center designed to address a critical skills gap. This initiative, supported by Novapec and the DIEETS, signals a potential shift in how ESS is developed and sustained in overseas territories.
The Skills Deficit: A Major Obstacle
The CRESS de Mayotte identified a significant hurdle to the long-term viability of ESS organizations: a lack of essential skills. Associations often secure funding for projects but struggle with fundamental tasks like financial reporting and activity assessments. Leaders may lack understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and hiring practices don’t always align with actual needs. “Projects exist, the needs also, but without skills and without engineering, they do not last,” explains Kamal Youssouf, director of the CRESS de Mayotte.
Institut Fikiri: A Locally-Focused Training Hub
To combat this, the CRESS strategically prioritized vocational training. Initial partnerships with schools in mainland France provided opportunities for around forty young Mahorais, but lacked a dedicated structure. The Institut Fikiri, made possible by co-financing from Novapec and the DIEETS, fills this void. The institute now holds Qualiopi certification, ensuring quality training standards.
Institut Fikiri operates on three core pillars: diploma-level courses (bachelors, masters, and professional qualifications), customized training programs for businesses and associations, and a research chair focused on the informal economy. Current offerings include bachelor’s degrees in project management and human resources, as well as a professional qualification in accounting. Training is tailored to the specific needs of the ESS sector, covering areas like associative governance, budgeting, and project proposal writing.
Reframing the Informal Economy as Social Innovation
The institute’s research chair aims to study the dynamics of the informal economy, viewing it not as a problem, but as a form of “social innovation.” Kamal Youssouf points to the example of women selling food outside schools, filling a gap in public services. Nearly three-quarters of economic activity in Mayotte falls within the informal sector, highlighting the necessitate to understand and support these practices.
A Model for the Overseas Territories
With a growing team of 24 employees, the CRESS de Mayotte is becoming a leading force in the regional ESS network. It’s now actively sharing its expertise with other overseas territories, assisting with the establishment of ESS chambers in Saint-Martin and providing support to New Caledonia in developing its ESS legislation. This collaborative approach is embodied in “ESS France Outre-mer,” a shared engineering platform designed to address the unique challenges of overseas territories at a national level. The initiative focuses on streamlining administrative and financial management and exploring opportunities for shared staffing.
Did you understand? Mayotte’s CRESS is one of the most dynamic in the entire network, demonstrating the potential for impactful ESS development in overseas territories.
FAQ
Q: What is the ESS?
A: The social and solidarity economy (ESS) encompasses organizations that prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial profit.
Q: What is Novapec’s role in this initiative?
A: Novapec provided crucial co-financing that enabled the creation of the Institut Fikiri and the development of its training programs.
Q: What is the Qualiopi certification?
A: Qualiopi is a French certification that ensures the quality of training programs.
Q: What is the focus of the research chair at Institut Fikiri?
A: The research chair will focus on the dynamics of the informal economy in Mayotte, viewing it as a form of social innovation.
Pro Tip: Investing in skills development is crucial for the long-term sustainability of social enterprises, particularly in regions with unique economic and social challenges.
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