Abajad, an organization led by an Afghan migrant, received the “Paris Social and Solidarity Economy Award” on Wednesday, November 26.
This annual prize is granted to recognize innovative and impactful institutions working in areas such as social integration, education, the environment, and urban solidarity in the French capital.
Abajad, founded by Donya Hnesh, a French-language teacher, and Qais Rahmani, a lawyer and Afghan migrant, works in the fields of French-language education, legal assistance, and social integration. Alongside individual guidance and support for migrants, the organization also helps them acquire the skills needed to enter in-demand professions.
The organization’s officials stated that this year as well, they plan to provide a full training and mentorship program for around 24 participants to support their path toward employment.
At last night’s ceremony, in addition to Abajad, nine other organizations also received awards and financial support, and one institution received an honorary prize as an official laureate.
These awards were selected from among 78 applicants, including associations and companies with social missions.
Other winners included Alternity, which works to combat food waste and promote sustainable food; Azimuto, which supports youth on social-entrepreneurship paths; Label Gamelle, active in cooking and distributing supportive meals to vulnerable groups; Le Cygne 18, which is set to launch a major cultural and social center in northern Paris; Le Récho, focused on food solidarity and meal distribution for those in need; Les Roues Libres, which offers specialized training programs for women entering bicycle-repair–related professions; Sensation Inclusive, which organizes accessible and regular activities for people with intellectual disabilities; and finally Wasan & Swan, which provides innovative home-care services, offering a new model of support for patients in end-of-life stages.
The honorary award this year went to Joueuse, a company that produces organic beverages in returnable bottles and operates a local bottle-washing system, representing an innovative model of circular economy in Paris.
The ceremony, besides announcing the winners, emphasized the key role of the social and solidarity economy in shaping the future of Paris. City officials stated that investment in education, integration, circular economy, and local solidarity remains central to the capital’s social policies, especially as Paris faces new challenges regarding demographic diversity, new migration needs, and environmental imperatives.
The “Paris Social and Solidarity Economy Award” is granted annually to highlight the best civic initiatives and to support programs that, through sustainable approaches, contribute to improving the lives of residents of Paris.
