Quebec link explored

Interns from Quebec may be dispatched to Eunice and St. Landry Parish this fall, if plans fall in place that were first discussed at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center.
A group from Quebec, Mission Jeunesse, led by Jean-Robert Frigault of CODOFIL, disussed the internship program with Eunice leaders on Thursday.
Mission Jeunesse is an organization located in Quebec whose mission is to place interns in locations around the world to assist with cultural activities and event planning.
Dwight Jodon, one of the Experience Louisiana organizers, reported in an email, “... the Quebec program is an example of an opportunity to develop networking with the Francophone world in a real way. What that means is pretty broad, including: hosting interns, delegations, dignitaries; sending delegations from Eunice to various cities/countries; maintaining friendly, working relationships for the purpose of tourism, cultural/educational exchanges and more.”
Jodon said the Quebec visitors were impressed with the representatives at the table.
“They went out of their way to explain that one of the most difficult parts of developing relationships/networks with cities is in the ‘drawing together’ of community leaders/organizations around a common goal, which is almost never already in place,” Jodon said. “They remarked how significant it is that we have that piece in place. They were thrilled that the mayor and a city council member took time to greet them, along with representatives from a cross-section of the city’s cultural team — parish, city government, local business, cultural reps, festival reps.”
After the meeting in Eunice, the group was to travel to Opelousas, Arnaudville and Breaux Bridge for additional meetings.
The Quebec program’s website is lojiq.org.