With the aim of creating a positive, supportive environment for young people in the Hay Mohammadi neighbourhood, the Initiative Urbaine association launched a Stop Motion activity for some of the association's children a few weeks ago. The principle of Stop Motion involves taking photographs, frame by frame, and putting them together to create a video sequence. During this event, the children from Initiative Urbaine, accompanied by Annick, a volunteer teacher, meet every Wednesday afternoon to imagine and create an animated film frame by frame. The session, which lasts two hours, takes place at the association, with the participation of two groups of children.

They start by writing the story, then they make the set and the characters for their tale using paper, paint, and also modelling clay. Once this stage is finished, they can finally take the photos that will serve as the basis for their film. Using a series of exercises to understand movement and with the help of a digital camera, the volunteer teacher, accompanied by a facilitator from the Initiative Urbaine association, guides the participants in the creation of their animated video, using simple means: camera, modelling clay, recycled materials, light, etc. The activity aims to showcase the children's creations through artistic expression. "So far, the children have made two films. The first about a car race and the second about the story of a little girl, Sara, who wants to go to school. This film is part of raising children's awareness about the importance of education and mobilising against school dropouts," informs Houda Harrar, programme coordinator at Initiative Urbaine. The Stop Motion activity initially involved 6 children. A number that grew when several other children became interested in the workshop. "Currently, 12 children, aged 10 to 13, are participating in Stop Motion. But we have noticed that even the teenagers are taking a particular interest in this activity. We will therefore include them in our programme too, after the summer holidays, so that they can create their own films," explains Houda Harrar. In total, the children participating in Stop Motion will create 5 animated films. Furthermore, the Initiative Urbaine association offers other activities for the young people of Hay Mohammadi that spark their imagination and creativity. For example, the Kanak drawing workshop from New Caledonia invites them to create models of landscapes and houses using simply paper. The association has also organised numerous events such as school bag drives, blood donation drives, sports meetings, as well as cultural events with the participation of members. About the Initiative Urbaine association: The Initiative Urbaine association was founded in 2002 by young women and men from the Hay Mohammadi neighbourhood, with a view to addressing various issues affecting the youth of the neighbourhood: reception, listening, academic support, professional guidance, entertainment, cultural activities, etc. The association, which was composed of young volunteers from the neighbourhood, was quickly able to gain legitimacy, build loyalty among its beneficiaries and forge numerous partnerships, notably with the municipality and the prefecture. Initiative Urbaine was first built around a premises that it transformed into a socio-cultural centre, offering academic support sessions, cultural activities (dance, theatre, singing), outings for children, a library and an internet café. The association develops projects in the Hay Mohammadi neighbourhood with the support of national and international partners and donors. It aims to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants and the development of the youth of Hay Mohammadi, through the promotion of and participation in community actions.