In a world where solidarity and social commitment are more important than ever, student associations play an essential role in Management Schools. At Paris School of Business, the association GduCoeur embodies this spirit of solidarity and mobilization by carrying out concrete actions for the most vulnerable. To better understand the impact and motivation behind this commitment, we spoke with Yousra Haissouni, president of GduCoeur. In this interview, she shares the association's mission, her background, and the humanitarian initiatives that make GduCoeur a vital social player at the school.
The Association
Could you introduce your association?
GduCoeur is the social and humanitarian association of Paris School of Business.
Our mission is to provide tangible support to the most disadvantaged people, be they families, children, or the homeless, through local humanitarian actions.
We also raise awareness among students about solidarity issues, offering them the opportunity to get actively involved in causes they care about. Our actions are driven by a desire to create a positive impact on society and to promote social commitment among young people.
Why did you choose to lead this association? What does it bring you on a daily basis?
My involvement in associations began four years ago with various Parisian associations, and last year, I saw an opportunity to take on the role of President of GduCoeur.
This role is both a challenge and a responsibility that I accepted with passion. Becoming president has always been a goal of mine, as it allows me to develop leadership, project management, and event organization skills while staying close to the human values I hold dear.
Every day, I feel immense satisfaction seeing ideas transform into concrete actions. It reinforces my belief that we all have the power to make a difference. This commitment also motivated me to start my own association, Intissar, based in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to aiding and supporting local populations.
What is the primary role of GduCoeur within Paris School of Business?
GduCoeur plays a central role at the school as a humanitarian and social player mobilizing students around important causes.
Our goal is to raise awareness within the student community about social and environmental issues through concrete actions.
We encourage students to get involved in initiatives that promote solidarity and mutual aid, creating a framework where they can not only learn but also act in favor of the most vulnerable. We aim to show students that commitment is not only a moral duty but also a source of personal enrichment.
How long has the association existed? How has it evolved?
GduCoeur is one of the oldest associations at Paris School of Business, initially known for its humanitarian trips where students went abroad to help disadvantaged communities.
After a period of decline, we worked to revitalize its activities and refocus our efforts on local actions. Today, we are more active than ever, offering a variety of events and diversifying our activities to include food distributions, fundraising, awareness campaigns, and social events.
How many members are part of the association?
Currently, GduCoeur has 56 members.
GduCoeur's Actions
What are the association's recent major projects?
Recently, we organized several themed events with interactive booths, notably for Pink October, where we raised awareness about breast cancer and raised funds for the Fondation ARC.
We also increased food distributions in Paris, providing hearty meals and moral support to the homeless. These projects combine direct action and awareness-raising, as we strongly believe that one cannot exist without the other.
What values does the association uphold?
GduCoeur's core values are solidarity, empathy, and commitment. We believe in the power of collective action to overcome social challenges and bring help to those most in need.
Kindness guides each of our actions, whether they are major initiatives or small daily gestures.
How is the association funded? Do you organize fundraising campaigns?
Our association is funded by the school, which gives an annual budget to the associations for their projects. Additionally, most of our fundraising efforts support other causes. For example, during our campaigns for Pink October, all funds collected are donated to the Fondation ARC.
Likewise, we support projects like the EPR association, which helps women in a village in Côte d'Ivoire improve their living conditions. We believe that our role goes beyond funding our own actions, as we aim to act as a conduit for other equally important causes.
What are GduCoeur's future projects?
In the coming months, we want to offer activities focused on children and adolescents. We plan to organize educational afternoons with creative workshops, awareness sessions on useful topics, and buffets for a convivial time together.
The goal is to give them a joyful break while addressing important subjects for their personal development and worldview. We also hope to continue increasing our food distributions and solidarity actions in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Paris.
The Role of Student Life at Paris School of Business
Why do you think it is important to get involved in associations within the school?
Getting involved in an association at Paris School of Business means having the opportunity to realize one's ideas and values through projects. For GduCoeur, it means using our time and energy for causes that matter to us. It also allows us to create connections beyond academics, building a community of students who share the same aspirations.
Engaging in an association also teaches us how to manage projects, work as a team, and step out of our comfort zone to make a difference in the lives of others.
