By Pte Simone Heyer
FRENCH overseas territories around the world have adapted a way of training the indigenous population in useful trades and teaching them discipline required to hold valuable positions in their societies.

In partnership with the colonies’ education departments, school drop-outs are given a second chance and the opportunity to study at military trade schools.

For the first two months, entrants to the school do adapted military service before studying a course between one and two years.

Courses taught include hairdressing or training in agriculture, construction, security guarding, cooking or farming.

CNE Pierre Demont said the scheme was created to develop France’s overseas territories. Now it aids those who have slipped through education systems already in place.

“Only school drop-outs are taken, they’re taught discipline and respect,” he said.

Students are between the ages of 16 and 22 and in most instances are indigenous to the colony.

“Between 80 and 90 per cent get full-time jobs on completion of their studies, it’s a good job placement rate.”

The set-up is similar to boarding school. Students live on base and daily routine usually sees an early start of 4am.

They wear Army uniforms all day and eat at the mess on base. Students march between classes and sing traditional French marching songs. On weekends they can return to their communities CNE Demont said the students were given a wage for the duration of their study so this mode of study was more like a job than a school.

The purpose of the schools was not to recruit into the French armed services, though some people get a taste of military life and want to sign up.

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