Reopening of the Maison des Réfugiés, a place for encounters and sharing in Paris
In partnership with Emmaüs Solidarité, SINGA Paris has been running the Maison des Réfugiés since 2019. This unique space, previously located in the 14th arrondissement until 2023, is now situated at Place des Fêtes in the 19th arrondissement. Let’s take a closer look at this place and reflect on its opening weekend !
The Maison des Réfugiés moves : a new start for inclusion
After four years of sharing and commitment in the 14th arrondissement, SINGA Paris decided to relocate this emblematic space to better meet everyone’s needs. This place, open to all, offers various activities: socio-cultural workshops, language training, concerts, and much more, to create connections between residents and newcomers. This reopening is the result of collective reflection with the James Baldwin media library, local officials, neighborhood residents, and our partner associations.
In 2023, 25 associations were active at the Maison, offering over 400 hours of weekly activities, organized into five main areas:
→ Professional integration : green jobs, crafts, digital training, entrepreneurship;
→ Culture and sports (38h/week) : writing workshops, poetry, boxing, yoga…;
→ Social support and health : access to healthcare;
→ Language learning (91h/week), with a focus on French : courses provided by partner associations and volunteers;
→ Women’s area : activities with a gender-focused approach, such as French classes reserved for women.
An Opening Weekend Full of Festivities and Discoveries
The inauguration of this new space took place during a festive and convivial weekend on September 28 and 29, 2024. The public was able to participate in a series of activities, showcasing the cultural diversity and bonds that can be created in this vibrant neighborhood.
The festivities began gently, with storytelling sessions for children at the James Baldwin media library, followed by a video game tournament that brought together young and old. The afternoon continued with a dance workshop organized by Transplanisphère, followed by a “SINGA Blabla,” a relaxed gathering of music, conversations, and connections. Creative workshops and a sound exploration of poetry captured the attention of many participants. The day ended on a high note with a DJ set that energized the Maison’s event space.
Sunday was equally rich in activities. Highlights included a singing workshop, a joyful flash mob on the square, a buffet, and a captivating concert by Sudanese singer Sulafa Elyas. Guided tours of the site, held throughout the weekend, allowed visitors to discover the new features of the Maison.
A place of encounters and opportunities
The Maison des Réfugiés aspires to become a space where stories and cultures intersect to create a more inclusive society. Its impact goes beyond the services it currently offers; this space is designed to evolve with the needs of newcomers and locals alike.
Among future initiatives, special emphasis will be placed on the socio-professional integration of newcomers and raising awareness within the Parisian community about the challenges of welcoming them. Cultural and sports activities, as well as events, will be open to all to strengthen social cohesion while promoting intercultural dialogue.
In the coming years, the Maison des Réfugiés aims to become a true hub of inclusion, where barriers fall, and everyone can contribute to building a more compassionate society.
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