Students in freedom
Forget about studying for a while and enjoy a trip out to sea: a moment away from the world for 15 students with disabilities from the University of Montpellier. Welcome aboard the Wayawaya. With all sails set, the schooner looks like a laughing gull, despite its sturdy 22-meter steel hull.
She sets sail in ideal conditions: from the south, a light thermal breeze blows its summer breath. Under the hull, a slight Ligurian current: a whisper from Italy, reminding us that the Gulf of Genoa is not far away. A calm joy settles in.
First sailing trip
Departing from Le Grau-du-Roi, the Wayawaya points its bow towards the hill of Sète: ghostly and misty in the distance, under the bright sun. For many, this is their very first sailing trip. "You feel like you're alone in the world as soon as you're away from the coast," comments Maxime, sitting on the deck. Mohamed sighs in wonder: "The sea... it'sa unique feeling," he says. "It's good to get away from the pressure of studying, to escape from everyday life."
Maxime is studying for a technical degree in chemistry in Sète, while Mohamed is studying for a degree in computer science at the Faculty of Science. For both of them, the Handiversité[1] service has been a great help."To succeed, you have to work hard," explains Mohamed: programming, systems, databases... computer science is a complex world that manages our entire daily lives."
The Handiversité service provided him with a teaching assistant who accompanies him during tutorials and practicals. During exams, the assistant is also there to write down what Mohamed dictates. This assistant is Tahar. "It'sa job that requires very specific skills," explains this doctor of optoelectronics. " It would be difficult for me to assist a biology student, for example. With Mohamed, we understand each other. Especially since we've been working together all year."
Daily support
Everyone receives individual support, because every situation is different. For Majid and Yohan, the Handiversité service has made it possible to adapt their exams. Both are given extra time during the tests: a measure offered to students who have difficulty paying attention or concentrating. "I often have to speed up in the last part of the exam. Luckily, the teaching assistant is there to say, 'Hey Yohan, come back down to earth!'" concludes Yohan with a laugh.
Chartered by the Voiles pour tous association, the Wayawaya sails smoothly across the calm sea. The boat is equipped to accommodate everyone on board: the gangways have been widened to allow wheelchairs to pass through. These are rather rare accommodations, explains Christophe, the association's president. "Adapted cruises are virtually non-existent. There are standards on land, but they are much rarer at sea. Very few boats are accessible to people with disabilities!"
Once a year, the UM's Handiversité service organizes this outing for the students it supports throughout the year. The idea is "to get together outside the university setting," explains Isabelle, who is responsible for student support at the UM. "It's about taking a break from everyday life and giving people the chance to meet and bond."
Back to Le Grau-du-Roi. But we'll be setting off again on the Wayawaya or another white seagull. Wayawaya? It means "over there, over there" in a distant Latin American language. Or "celestial beggar" in Bambara. Quite a program...
[1] The Handiversité service welcomes and supports students with disabilities throughout their university studies. Its missions are to enable everyone to pursue their studies in the best possible conditions and to support them in developing their academic and professional plans.
