"My studies have always been centred on economics and sociology. I did a two-year degree in Sociology and a BA in economics, but as I was not attracted by the business sector, I decided to turn to teaching, while continuing to do what I liked; be "free". I became a primary school teacher, but I have always taken a close interest in the social field and so I gravitated towards college adaptation networks for students with severe learning difficulties, to bring a little of what I have to offer.

(…) The "humanitarian" aspect has always concernedme, I have always been interested in the Third World and North-South relations, as we said then, especially Africa. I wanted to participate in a movement and about 3, 4 years ago, I looked for an association, while avoiding the « emergency mood ». I wanted to get involved in development but not development of the North to help the South, rather a synergy of actions in common. I came across an advertisement in Le Monde Diplomatique: "Helping does not mean assisting" and by surfing the internet I saw that there was a team in the Val d’Oise, at Bouffémont. When I contacted Nadine Girot, she welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to the association. I had the good fortune to go almost immediately with her and Laurence Constantini (from the pôle project) to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(…) I’ve always been interested in international solidarity. Frères des Hommes is for me more "all-embracing", wider-ranging than national or decentralized policies. The policy of Frères des Hommes corresponds to my political ideal, with its awareness campaigns, the relaying of information from the South and especially the possibility of bringing together the North and South on common ideas, the attempt to reach a maximum number of people from the outset, and of course, sharing decisions. Luc Michelon

(...) Seeing my enthusiasm, Nadine asked me to come to the General Assembly and by joint agreement, I returned to the Board the following year in 2006, and became chairman in 2008. I’ve never been disappointed, and I love all the people I’ve met, the permanent secretariat, the local teams.

(…) Frères des Hommes has the advantage of being small in structure but with partners and links to other larger structures. We retain an ease and speed of decision that attract me very much. Citizenship as practiced by Frères des Hommes, developing shared and fair values, is the driving force of my life, education is also a way for me to disseminate these values. My wish is that Frères des Hommes retain its autonomy, that it does not get « eaten up» by larger structures, and that it develop its own ideas by continuing to act upon its beliefs. "

Luc Michelon, chairman at Frères des Hommes, next to Jean-Pierre Dardaud.