JEUNESSE ÉTUDIANTE CHRÉTIENNE (J.E.C.) - Founded in 1927, it brings together in the various French-speaking countries all young students, with the threefold aim of: 1) helping them to live as Christians; 2) making them understand the true meaning of study, which prepares them to serve their country from a privileged position; 3) ensuring that recreation and amusements too are educational.
For this purpose, the principal activities promoted by the J. É. C. are: spiritual retreats, collective religious events, both at parish and school level, literary competitions, cultural lectures, visits to industrial establishments, correspondence with young people from other countries, camps, etc. These activities are described as “services” available to the entire student body and are grouped under the name of “Student Friendship.” In addition, every year, during the holidays, the J. É. C. holds courses for physical education instructors. The various student circles are grouped into sections directly dependent upon regional federations. The sections are attached to a school or a parish. Together they constitute the national Movement, directed by the National Council.
The periodicals published by the organization are: Le blé qui lève (for secondary-school students); Messages (for members of the Movement); Directives (for leaders); Lettres aux aumôniers. The emblem is a shield bearing the initials J. É. C. and an ear of wheat winding around the Cross placed at its centre. Parallel to this movement, there is a similar one for female students.