Engineers for a good cause!
Three 5th-year engineering students from INSA Hauts-de-France, Nathan Lusson, Elisa Gatto, and Jade Filiber, took part in a humanitarian raid across Europe: the Europ'Raid. Aboard their Peugeot 205, the "Mystery Raid" team crossed 20 countries in 22 days to deliver school supplies to isolated schools in Eastern Europe.
A human and mechanical adventure
In addition to the human aspect, they had to be able to do mechanical work. Although an assistance team followed them, it only intervened in the event of a major problem. Especially as their car had been purchased from a former participant in the 2021 edition, and already had 300,000 km on the clock... But confident, they carried out the necessary repairs before their departure.
Mission accomplished for Mystery Raid!
After more than 6 months of preparations, they set off from Malsaucy, near Belfort, in the company of 190 other crews. There were more than 700 participants. From the very first stages, the raid offered major challenges, with crossings of Swiss passes at altitudes of over 2,500 meters. After crossing Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Slovenia, it was in the Balkans, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, that the team began its first humanitarian actions. But the highlight of their mission took place in Northern Macedonia, in Kriva Palanka, where they dropped off 80 kg of school equipment at a local school. Welcomed by the pupils, the mayor, the school principal and the First Secretary of the French Embassy, they experienced an unforgettable moment with intense human encounters. The Kriva Palanka school was able to redistribute these materials to other schools in difficulty.
Values cultivated at INSA Hauts-de-France
Thanks to the support of INSA Hauts-de-France and numerous other sponsors, this adventure not only enabled our students to live unprecedented human experiences, but also to contribute to the education of disadvantaged regions in Europe. In this way, the Europ'Raid will remain an outstanding experience for them, combiningoutdoing oneself, mechanical skills and international solidarity. Values in line with those of our Institute.