le FAQ
This FAQ attempts to answer your questions about l'Arche in Paris.
Don't hesitate to use the Webcam to ask more detailed questions.
I'll be 18 years old in June: can I be a volunteer?
At l'Arche we believe that 18 years is the minimum age required in order to get the most possible out of life in l'Arche. So if you're coming up to your 18th birthday, you can contact us now, if you are interested in looking into voluntary work.
I am over 25 years old. Is it too late for me to apply?
A variety of structures in l'Arche enable us to support assistants. As a general rule we welcome applications from candidates of all ages.
Do I need a qualification or formal training in order to work in l'Arche?
We have set up a training programme specifically designed for new assistants. Support, mentoring and an induction are given to the new assistant at l'Arche by the house leader and a mentor. The new assistant is, in return, expected to participate in reflective team work and to be willing to build mutually respectful relationships with all those living in the home.
I don't know anything about learning disabilities.
It's not uncommon to feel concerned at the prospect of sharing one's life for 10 to 12 months with people whose particular issues we know little or nothing about. That's why each volunteer is given an individualised training programme prepared even before their arrival with the person in charge of training volunteers and new assistants. The induction is graduated : a week for finding out about the project, followed by a trial month are standard before deciding to set out on a year commitment.
I have never met anyone with a learning disability.
Which probably means that you've never had the opportunity to meet such a person... or that if you were you weren't aware of it! The unknown scares us which is why it's a good idea to take the time to find out and discover. There's plenty time for this at l'Arche! If you're already considering issues surrounding learning disabilities, it means you're open to it... and ready to face the fear and do it anyway!
What's the definition of a learning disability?
There is no standard definition as yet. According to the OMS, the person with a learning disability has difficulties in learning and a significant impairment in his or her intellectual development. There are a number of labels which have been or are used to describe what is now known as a learning disability ranging from 'mental handicap' to 'learning difficulties'. It's up to all of us to use these terms, whatever they may be, with respect and sensitivity.
Is l'Arche a Catholic organization?
The first community was founded in a Catholic environment. Once the communities Daybreak in Canada and Asha Niketan in India were founded, l'Arche rapidly became inter-denominational and ecumenical. The communities define themselves according to their geographical and cultural contexts. Because France's predominant religion is Catholicism, L'arche in Paris is rooted in the catholic church, however ever since its inception, members of the community have come from a variety of Churches, religious backgrounds and views.
Who finances l'Arche?
Each community of l'Arche is an independent legal body. The finances of each community depend on which country the community is located in. Governmental subsidies generally play a more particularly significant part in European communities than in North American ones, whilst communities in developing countries are generally heavily dependent on donations.
