France’s Emmanuel Macron to Bring Back Compulsory National Service for Young People

• France’s Emmanuel Macron to Bring Back Compulsory National Service for Young People
  by Samuel Osborne, https://www.independent.co.uk/
  Prime minister says restoring national service will inspire patriotism and social cohesion.
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  The French government has begun putting into action its promise to reintroduce national service for all 16-year-olds. During his election campaign Emmanuel Macron, France’s prime minister, said restoring national service would inspire patriotism and social cohesion. Both girls and boys will serve in the two-stage programme.
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  The first stage will be a compulsory month-long placement with a focus on civic culture, according to the BBC. The options being looked at include voluntary teaching and working with charities, alongside traditional military training with the army, police or fire service.This would largely take place during France’s school holidays.
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  A second, voluntary stage of at least three months and up to a year would also be available. In this phase, young people would be encouraged to serve “in an area linked to defence and security”, the broadcaster said. However, they would also be able to volunteer for work in social care, culture or the environment.
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