ATD Fourth World invites you to participate in Festivals of Learning taking place this summer in countries around the world.

Festivals of Learning are neighbourhood celebrations that take place over several days in areas where ATD Fourth World works during the year. ATD teams would be delighted if you can join the Festivals to share skills, talents, or expertise with children and adults in workshops such as theatre, poetry, crafts, music, etc.

Festivals of Learning are a melting pot where people from different walks of life and backgrounds can meet, share a positive experience together, and break down preconceived notions about poverty. Festivals of Learning start with the initiative of community members who are involved in the organization of all events, and who are proud that their neighbourhood can host these activities. Festivals of Learning are also an opportunity for under-resourced neighbourhoods to be seen in a new light, as places that have their own vibrant sense of community.

This video shows a Festival of Learning that took place in New York City in 2016.

Festivals of Learning are held outdoors in the open so everyone can participate and as many people as possible can meet the artists, professionals and others who share their time, skills, and cultural knowledge. At these Festivals, people discover talents and interests they may not know that they possess.

Spain and the Philippines have already hosted some Festivals of Learning. In Madrid, the Vallecas and Carabanchel neighbourhood Festivals of Learning recently took place over five days with the theme of recycling. The events were a huge success as children created artwork from recycled objects.

Festival of Learning dates and places for 2017 are below. If you would like to help out, please contact the local ATD Fourth World team directly.

• Madagascar (): 26-29 July in Toliara
• Reunion Island (): 26-29 July, Pierrefonds neighbourhood of Saint-Pierre, at the Maison du Quartier, in association with ADELI
• France ()
  Rennes: 11-13 July
  Poligny: 27 August-1 September
  Lille: 12-14 July: five neighbourhoods; Roubaix 18-22 July
  Saint Nazaire: 23-25 August
  Le Mans: 25-26 August
  Montpellier: 3-7 July
  Montreuil: 26-29 July
  Bayonne: 17-21 July
  Other Festivals in France
• Spain ():
  Madrid: 3-15 July
• Poland (): 23-24 June, “festiwal lata” in Dudziarska
• Ireland (): 9 July, “Community fun and sport day”, a festive day with open-air workshops in Dublin
• Switzerland ()
  Basel: 3-14 July
  Geneva: 10-14 July
  Porrentruy: 10-14 July
• Luxembourg (): 17 July-25 August (held from Monday to Friday during these dates)
• Canada (): 23-26 August, Montreal Hochelaga neighbourhood
• United States: 6-8 July, New York Brownsville neighbourhood, contact Virginie Chavron: