“Skills speak louder than differences”: high school students with disabilities from Carcassonne on their way to the Grand Rex and present their film in Paris

At the Charles Cros professional high school, a great adventure awaits the students of the CAP production and service in catering (PSR) in Carcassonne. The final year students were selected for the final of the video competition I film the job that I like and will have to present their clip at the Grand Rex in Paris on May 27, 2026. “It is a pride to represent the high school which taught us to work and helped us to carry out this enormous project”sourit Paul, élève en CAP PSR.

 

In fact, for a year, accompanied by their teacher, Claire Rivière, they have been filming behind the scenes of their daily lives, between professional services and cooking classes. “We have to get as many views as possible to get the best possible grade. It’s always more difficult for a high school with 537 students than for another, but we have confidence”smiles the teacher.

Here, skills speak louder than differences

Their music video The Stews opens on the City of Carcassonne, then the sound of a mixer whirs, like a reel of film racing, and we jump to the heart of the matter. We see the students busying themselves with their tasks, while the voice-over takes over. We stir, we peel, we cut, “it’s the hand that makes the heart”.

Through the camera, we can see a classroom like no other. There is a cooking workshop, fridges, but above all students, the majority of whom have disabilities. “They learn the professions of collective catering in an inclusive setting. Here, skills speak louder than differences”details Claire Rivière, project leader.

Despite the difficulties, we must continue to move forward

Active life as a goal: “We understand that what we learn here does not stop there.” After spending two years in the Charles Cros high school, in less than a month, the students will leave for new horizons. “In people’s imagination, this training is not very rewarding. But with this film and the testimonies of professionals, we show the usefulness of the course and that we can build our future thanks to this CAP”continues the professor.

Paul, the most talkative of the three, chose to go to ESAT, a structure which allows him to carry out a professional activity while benefiting from medical and social support. He wants to send a message to future students of the training: “I tell them to stay confident and show solidarity. Despite the difficulties, we must continue to move forward to succeed in climbing the ladder.”

Funding for the trip

Paul’s involvement is unfailing, he has demonstrated it on several occasions. At the age of 17, he knocked on the door of the mayor of his village, whose contacts in the region could open up opportunities to sell flocked products. Les Stews in order to raise money to finance the trip to Paris. “We really wanted to involve Carcassonne patrons like Cousette who provided us with our tote bags. They can be ordered via this address: criviere@ac-montpellier.fr”explains Claire Rivière. A prize pool has also been opened on the My project kit platform.

Competing in the “Profession with a positive impact” category, the film highlights the commitment of CAP PSR students from the Charles Cros high school. With the products derived from the film, manufactured in Carcassonne, the project actively participates in the local economy and, generally speaking, the training is committed to promoting inclusion, local food products, as well as the reduction and sorting of waste.

For Claire Rivière, who confesses to having been profoundly changed by this experience, after two years of teaching, “It’s a nice way to say goodbye with a grand finale.”