Jump Start

KE-32-10-446-EN-C

MIEL

MILLECAMPS

TEFENKGI

Jump Start

Everyone deserves a second chance

J u m p S ta r t

Four lives, four journeys. In this new comic book Jump start, find out how Alex, Nataline, Ivana and Dimitra managed to change the course of their lives. Discover how these four Europeans took on a new challenge, thanks to the support they received from the European Social Fund. Following the success of the comic book Take two, published in 2010 in 23 languages, the European Commission now brings you the second edition in the series. Inspired by true stories, these adventures are illustrated by four talented comic book artists — Maud Millecamps, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Vanyda and You — and are based on a text by Rudi Miel.

VANYDA

European Commission

YOU

KE-32-09-164-EN-C

MIEL

DURIEUX

GIHEF

SAVOIA

VANYDA

TA K E T W O

WO

ing up!

picking themselves eived from Europe. c strip format show and perseverance.

TA K E T W O

urieux, Savoia and a comic strip pubt, Social Affairs and on the initiative of

ges of the European

In Take two you can read about how Julie, Viktor, Pedro and Fianne managed to make a new start in life, with the help of the programmes financed by the European Social Fund.

To order the first volume, available in the 23 official languages of the European Union, go to: http://ec.europa.eu/esf/taketwo

European Commission

Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission may be held responsible for the use that may be made of the information contained in this publication.

Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union Freephone number (*):

00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed.

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).

Cataloguing data as well as an abstract can be found at the end of this publication.

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2011 ISBN 978-92-79-16904-5 doi: 10.2767/50233 Š European Union, 2011 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

Printed in Belgium Printed on elemental chlorine-free bleached paper (ecf )

MIEL

MILLECAMPS

TEFENKGI

VANYDA

YOU

Jump Start

ALEX

Wales

That’s quite some lorry you’ve got there...

To what do I owe this honour Alex?

It’s been ages!

Had to make a delivery near here... Thought I’d take the opportunity to visit my dear old granny!

5

So how’s work going?

Nothing very exciting to report, a few temp jobs here and there...

And you’re not missing the countryside too much?

A bit... especially the biscuits you make with old George’s honey.

How is he?

I saw the To Let sign!

He might be going into a home…

His children have pretty much pushed him into it. The landlord wants to completely renovate the place and he’s going to put the rent up.

That’s terrible... that house is his whole life...

And a little bit of yours too, Alex…

You remember what happened with the beehive when you were seven?

6

How could I forget?

My worst nightmare!

25 years earlier

Oh no!

7

Help!

Aaaah!

8

What are you doing?

Put me down!

You’ve had a lucky escape there my boy! But a swarm of angry bees is nothing compared to what you’ll get from your grandmother when she hears about this!

If only old George knew!

I didn’t have the heart to punish you after a shock like that!

Yes, I can honestly say I learned my lesson!

And it’s funny, he really took me under his wing after that.

He taught me all about beekeeping, all his tricks and secrets.

He’s a bit rough, but he’s got a good heart...

I think having only bees for company got on his nerves in the end.

I’ll go and pay him a visit.

Good idea! He’ll be really pleased to see you!

9

So how are you George?

Oh it’s you, my boy!

When I saw that lorry I thought it might be the landlord coming to kick me out already...

Come in and have a drink with me. You’ve got to try my mead, this year’s is out of this world!

Granny told me a bit about what’s going on... When are you leaving? And what’s going to happen to the hives?

You’re right, it’s lovely!

Come on, let’s go and see the bees!

That’s awful, and with honey of this quality!

So all this is just going to disappear?

The landlord’s given me three months.

Unless...

10

Unless what?

Unless you took over my little cottage industry. You and the bees go back a long way... and I’ve taught you everything I know.

But where am I going to get the money? I’ve not got a penny.

All I’ve got are loans, which I’m still having trouble paying off!

But how?

And what about you?

If you’re going to stay, you’ll need money to pay the extra rent after the renovation.

We could work something out...

We’ll have to think about it…

It’s unbelievable!

He suggested I take over his business...

But I’m broke!

What a good idea!

You should go and see a bank manager...

11

Cardiff

It’s all very vague.

No business plan… no security... and I don’t have the authority...

I’ll send your file to head office...

But to be honest, I already know what they’re going to say.

No luck so far!

With the outstanding loans you’ve already got, we can’t help you.

But why don’t you go to a bank that specialises in microfinance for business start-ups?

There’s one in town... here’s the address.

12

You’ve come to the right place.

But there are a few things you’ll need to do first: draw up a plan, make your case, work out the figures and the forecasts.

You can get help with all that.

We work closely with an organisation that’s funded by the EU. Their mission is to help people who want to start a business but, for various reasons, can’t get the traditional banks to listen to or support them.

So here’s what I suggest you do…

13

Ah, you’re back already!

Did you climb through the hedge? Ha ha ha!

I’ve got some news.

We need to talk.

Whoah! Hang on a minute! I’ve just got to finish dealing with these little ladies who need a gentleman’s touch and then I’ll join you on the porch. Pour us a couple of drinks.

So what’s going on?

I’ve got lots of questions to ask you.

14

Goodness me, you scare me when you act all serious like that!

Er… three or four hundred... maybe more.

And how do you sell them? And for how much?

How many pots of honey did you produce last year?

It varies… but I give lots of them away in the village, to family...

And what about the mead?

That’s my own personal supply...

It’s sacrosanct!

OK George, we’ve got to be specific!

If you want me to take over your business, I’ll need the figures to persuade the organisation that’s going to lend me the money...

15

Nine months later

You see, I was right to think big!

We’ve produced almost twice as much honey!

And it pains me to say it, but your mead is almost better than mine!

Right, there’s still more to do here, but I’ve got deliveries to make!

16

If I’d known all of this before, I would’ve thought twice about sneaking through that hedge.

Cheers!

Yes indeed, too late now!

Curiosity's a bad character trait.

Your grandmother should've kept a closer eye on you, ha ha ha!

Nataline

Brussels

OK Nataline!

That’s perfect.

Yeah! Great!

A last one and it’s finished for tonight.

19

At last! I couldn’t have gone on any longer!

A day like that really gives you an appetite!

Aren’t you having anything to eat Nataline?

I’m exhausted after that shoot. I’m going back to the hotel.

No, I don’t know what’s wrong with me...

I’ve not been feeling too good lately.

What do you want to drink?

Mojitos all round?

I’m paying!

Cheers, Nataline!

You’re joking!?

No way!

It’s party time tonight...

Don’t be such a diva...!

20

The next morning

Are you OK Nataline?

You don’t look as good as you do on the poster...

Riga Airport, Latvia

In fact I...

Nataline?

Nataline?

Yeah…

OK girls, that’s enough!

You’re wearing me out!

You were the ones who made me go out last night!

21

How are you feeling?

Really, really tired.

What do you do for a living?

You’ve got all the symptoms of burnout.

All I can do is recommend you get plenty of rest.

A few weeks at the very least.

No set hours.

I’m always jet-lagged...

But that’s just how the job is...

I’m a model.

Have been for the last eight years.

I’m going to be frank with you.

I really think you have to consider changing jobs... radically change your lifestyle.

What’s just happened to you is pretty serious.

I suggest you get in touch with one of our psychologists.

So what kind of hours do you work?

22

Hi there!

Don’t suppose you’ve got any change have you?

I’m about to smash this machine up!

I need chocolate!

What are you in here for?

Me? It’s the nightlife that’s got me into this state... I’m a waitress in a club... I’d almost forgotten what daylight was before I ended up here...

I think a bit of magnesium would do me good too...

Overdoing it, in every possible way.

How about you?

It’s an organisation funded by the EU: they offer coaching. They can help you change career. You’ve got to think about yourself and your health.

23

Three days later

Hi, I know you!

The would-be chocolate machine smasher!

Hello!

I understand that all this is a bit sudden for you.

But we’re here to help you build your future.

Miss Lengel?

Yes, I do feel a bit lost...

24

What qualifications have you got?

When you were a child, were there any jobs you dreamed of doing?

I was studying history of art, but I gave it up to become a model.

Well, certainly not modelling...

It’s never too late! We offer management courses, with funding from Europe, and they’re a solid foundation for branching out on your own. All you need is motivation and time.

No, I was more interested in business.

My parents were self-employed.

I’ve always fancied running my own business... But it’s a bit late now.

I know nothing about management.

Well, I’ve got time now.

And a bit of money put aside. My career did pay well.

Perfect!

We’ll take care of the training. And it’s up to you to come up with a plan and think it through.

25

We must stop meeting like this!

Sit down, let me buy you a drink.

I don’t know yet, but I’m giving up modelling. I need a healthier life. I’m going to sign up for this management course.

I’ve got nothing to lose.

I’m Julia.

So you talked to them too? What are you planning on doing?

Not really my thing, management... but I’m turning over a new leaf too... No more nightlife for me, I want to get back to the things I used to love doing.

I’ve always adored cooking.

I’m Nataline.

Talking of food, I really fancy a salad.

Where shall we go?

The restaurants round here aren’t great...

26

And, most importantly, they’re organic!

These vegetables are fabulous!

I’ve got a better idea, come with me!

I’m going to make you the best salad you’ve ever had!

I don’t live far from here.

Sit down!

I’ll do everything!

No way!

I want to help, or at least watch you at work.

You can work miracles with next to nothing Julia!

You’re giving me ideas!

Well, the most important thing is the freshness and quality of the produce... so tell me, what’s your idea?

I’d be interested to hear it.

27

Any more questions? Let’s get on with the practical work then.

A few weeks later

Cutting up vegetables is an art. You need precision movements, control and technique.

Pick up your knives.

A balance sheet is a document that gives you an overview of everything the company owns at a given moment in time...

We call these assets — what the company has — and the liabilities are what it owes.

28

That’s what you call a tomato!

What an amazing taste!

Yes, my nephew will deliver them to you.

And you can guarantee we’ll get two crates of assorted fruit and vegetables a day?

Excellent!

It’s a deal.

See you soon!

Things are looking pretty good eh?

I can’t wait to get started!

Now let’s head for the town centre. We’re going to the Organic and Regional Produce Fair. There’s a honey producer from Wales I’d like to meet.

29

A few days later

Wait, Julia! This moment needs to be immortalised on film!

Your turn!

Looks like we’ve got off to a good start!

Brilliant Nataline!

Looks like you’ve been doing it all your life!

30

Just you wait! This is only the first step... We could launch our own brand of organic produce and open a greengrocer’s...

And I’ve still got a few more ideas up my sleeve...!

Ivana

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

They look wonderful, Chhim!

Can I trade you something I made, for half a dozen?

Will you take a dozen langoustines, Ivana? I’ll give you a good price!

OK, I’ll sell it to a tourist.

You’ve got more of a head for business than me.

Ivana…

Phone call for you from Italy.

33

I’m very sorry to have to tell you that he passed away.

Yes, speaking…

My name’s Ferreri.

I’m a notary.

I’ve had real trouble finding you.

It’s about your father.

I can’t even afford a beer, let alone a ticket to Milan…

… when?

Three weeks ago.

You’re needed back in Milan to deal with his estate.

We’ll have a whip round, Ivana.

That’s so sweet of you girls.

I’ll pay you back with interest on top when everything’s settled.

34

Milan

Your father’s business went into compulsory liquidation two years ago.

Your father always refused to relocate.

He was heavily in debt — the mortgage on his house wasn’t even paid off.

And you’ve made me travel 10 000 kilometres just to tell me that all my father’s left me are debts?

I’m sorry.

35

Any spare change Your Highness, for something to eat?

Here, it’s not much, but I’m almost broke.

I’d like a room for one night please.

I’m going to have to ask you to pay in advance.

36

Pfff, I'm in the deep end now.

Do you have an appointment madam?

No, I’m family.

I’m Ivana, Mrs Polidoro’s niece.

We thought you might have made it to the funeral…

Your father and mother were brokenhearted.

They expected so much of you!

Hello Aunty, I wish I had…

Look at yourself… what a waste!

Aunty, I don’t regret a thing.

I never wanted to hurt Daddy and Mummy...

…but I wasn’t cut out for the life they wanted for me. I’d like to go back to Cambodia as soon as possible, but my father’s left me nothing but debts...

I can’t even afford a ticket back there.

Could you help me out?

My poor child!

I’m sorry but I’m afraid I can’t help you. Running this big house is already difficult enough for me.

Take some biscuits with you, Ivan brought them back from Riga.

His niece Nataline has opened an organic café there.

37

What’s my bag doing there?

You only booked in for one night didn’t you?

Rooms have to be vacated by 11 a.m. Those are the rules.

Come under here where it’s dry, Your Majesty.

Thanks, I’ve just been thrown out of my hotel and to spend I don’t know where the night...

I’ve not got a I’m going penny left.

Don’t panic, you can stay in our royal suite. Fancy a drink to raise your spirits?

38

The rain’s stopped now, so we can go back to our apartments.

It’s a bit basic, but at least no one bothers us here...

So far, anyway.

Come with us, it’s only 10 minutes away.

What are all these crates of fabric doing here?

Brrrrr! It’s not very warm. But you’ve made it nice in here.

Oh them, they’re scraps from the factory next door. They throw

them away every day in containers and we thought we could use them.

39

Good quality, this.

Do you have any scissors?

Hey, hold on a minute! What are you up to?

Thank you!

I’ve got a needle and thread in my bag... you’ll just have to trust me!

Tonight’s going to be freezing. I think I can sew these offcuts together to give us some protection from the cold.

By the way, I’m Ivana!

Hello Ivana!

Welcome, Ivana!

And if you can find any more of these scraps of material, I’ll take them off your hands, my friends!

40

Your friends are going to eat well again I see!

I know.

It’s against the rules, but I can’t help myself, I just love them!

That’s a work of art.

You’re really gifted! I wouldn’t mind one of those myself!

Wow! You’ve got magic hands!

I want to make you all one. But I’ll need a hand!

41

Special delivery: I’ve got some hot food for you here!

I’m not interrupting am I? I see you have a visitor...

This is Ivana, our new seamstress.

Did you make this?

I’m impressed!

And...

I don’t mean to pry, but what do you do... for a living?

42

It’s a long story.

If you’ve got time, I’ll start at the beginning...

A very long time ago, here, in Milan…

So that’s the whole story…

And our project was designed, among other reasons, to help talented people like you.

I really think you should come to the Piccolo We got support Mondo centre. from the European Social Fund to open a shop selling second-hand clothing.

And now...

Surprise!

Happy birthday Sergio!

This is the best 50th birthday party I’ve ever had!

A toast: to life!

43

Six weeks later We’re delighted to welcome you to our new store.

And we’re proud to present our new clothing collection...

…created entirely from recycled fabrics by our stylist Ivana.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

News from Ivana… and a cheque! We’re going to have fun tonight girls!

Chhim, I think we’ll buy all of your langoustines today!

44

dimitra

Sibiu, Romania

There you go, all done. You can go back out to play now, Raluca.

But be careful, OK? The wound hasn’t completely healed yet.

Don’t you feel well?

47

If you want to help me, go and hang out the washing.

A little kiss to help my favourite daddy along!

Try these strawberries, Malva darling!

Ouch!

48

Tee hee!

You’re going to pay for that, Raluca… You little scumbag!

You’ll have to catch me first! Ha ha!

Ouch! Let me go!

You’re hurting me!

49

That’s enough now children! Don’t you think there’s enough violence in the world already? Raluca, aren’t you ashamed of yourself?

Malva, get back indoors!

And you, keep your nose out of other people’s business!

What a cheek! She probably thinks I’m not capable of bringing up my own children! And you, Malva, I’m not finished with you yet!

50

She started it!

Hello. I’m Nora, from the health and welfare centre. Don’t hesitate to drop in and see us if you need anything at all.

Liar!

Will you show me your drawing?

Lovely!

OK children, finish off your work.

It’s nearly time to go home.

Hey, look who it is! Weren’t you the girl who was arguing with Raluca yesterday? What’s your name?

Malva.

51

What are you doing here?

You look bored…

I’m not, but it’s no fun at home.

When my mother gets angry, I prefer to stay out of the way.

She’s quite a character, your mum. She doesn’t seem very easy-going...

She really must come and see us at the centre!

It’s because of the baby she’s expecting.

She’s in pain, so she gets all worked up.

We’ll have to find a solution then.

No chance!

Unless she decides to herself, she won’t come.

What about you?

Tell me a bit about yourself.

52

How’s school?

Have you decided what you want to do when you grow up?

Yes, travel the world!

Sounds good.

But before you can do that you’ll have to study and then work. You’ll need money if you want to travel.

I’ll be a ship’s captain.

OK. I’ve already done a drawing of it! Do you want to see it?

And will you take me with you on your ship?

Of course! Come to the centre tomorrow after school.

You can show it to me then.

53

Are you OK mum?

Yes, yes… I just need to rest… Ow! My God!

Why don’t you go and see a doctor!?

The next day

Oh hello Malva.

How nice to see you.

Leave me alone.

Go and play outside.

Did you bring your drawings?

Yes! Lots of them!

54

Come on then, let’s see them.

Look Nora, that’s me, the captain!

You look very pretty and so does your uniform! And I really like the cabin in the shape of a house.

If you’ve got any more, I’ll come and see them at your house. That will give me a good excuse to try to convince your mother to see a doctor...

How do you feel about that?

Great! I’ll get to show you my house!

Oh please don’t stop playing!

It’s wonderful. Is that a piece by Grigoras Dinicu?

Yes, do you know it!?

55

I’m glad to see you dancing instead of fighting... you look much more graceful!

Can she come in?

Please...

Hello madam!

Mum, this is Nora. She’s come to see my drawings.

Er... it’s a real mess in here, I wasn’t expecting visitors...

Oh please don’t worry about that.

That smells absolutely gorgeous, Madam!

You can call me Dimitra

56

It’s stew.

I like the onions and carrots best!

Help! Mum! I’ve cut myself!

It’s bleeding really badly!!!

Ow!

Come here!

Lucky I always keep my first aid kit with me... all part of the job.

What about you? How’s your pregnancy going?

Hmm, not so good.

It’s not like my other pregnancies... I often get terrible pains and I have to lie down.

Thank you, thank you!

For looking after him and Malva...

Promise me you’ll drop by the centre tomorrow. I’ll tell the doctor about you... You’ll see, he’s very nice and good at his job.

Don’t worry, Dimitra.

We’re financed by the European Social Fund.

Healthcare’s free.

I’m not asking for charity...

I don’t have any money.

57

Six weeks later

Aaaahhhhh!

Waaaaa!

The next day It’s a little girl: Gabriela

That’s a pretty dress!

Hello Nora!

58

Thanks girls. It was made by a friend of my mother’s, called Ivana, who lives in Italy.

Additional information Alex, Nataline, Ivana and Dimitra successfully changed the course of their lives thanks to the programmes financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).

But what exactly is the ESF? The ESF was created more than 50 years ago, in 1957, to be precise. It is the main financial instrument used by the European Union for investing in people. Its goal is to promote employment by improving workers’ prospects. It provides support, for example, to individuals who have particular difficulties in finding a job, including women, young people and elderly workers. It also provides support to businesses and young entrepreneurs. The Fund also invests in lifelong education and training.

The ESF does not work alone; it is at the core of a partnership comprising multiple players.

The projects that it supports are co-funded by the Member States and put forward by educational and training institutions, associations, trade unions, etc. These projects are selected by the national authorities to meet the requirements of specific countries and regions.

Today, the ESF is a real success story. Each year, the ESF invests EUR 10 billion in the financing of various projects across the 27 Member States. This investment is used to improve the lives of 10 million individuals each year, by helping them to find a job or to advance in their careers.

From reality to fiction The comic book Jump start is based on four true events. The European Commission gathered personal accounts from 54 EU citizens, all of whom had benefited from ESF-funded programmes.

In front of the camera, they speak about their own experiences and of the path that led them to new employment and training opportunities. To see these personal accounts, visit: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf/video/videos_en.htm

59

The authors Text

Rudi Miel Born in Tournai, in 1965, Rudi Miel has a degree in journalism. Communications consultant and comic book scriptwriter, he is the co-author of Les eaux blessées (Troubled waters), published by the European Parliament, which won the award for best use of comic books in advertising at Angoulême in 2003. He wrote the text for L’arbre des deux printemps (Tree of the two springs) (illustrated by Will & Co — published by Le Lombard), which won the award for best foreign comic book at Sobreda (Portugal) in 2001. Along with C. Cuadra and P. Teng, Rudi Miel is also co-author of L’ordre impair (Odd order) (Le Lombard), which was published in full at the end of 2009. When writing Jump start, he worked in collaboration with scriptwriter Jean-Luc Cornette.

Illustrations

Maud Millecamps — Nataline Born in Charleroi in 1982, Maud Millecamps attended the École Supérieure des Arts SaintLuc, in Liège, and the Académie des Beaux-Arts, in Brussels. She was part of the collective that produced Amour & désir (Love and desire) for the publishing house La boîte à bulles in 2008, before bringing out her first cartoon album, Les gens urbains (Urbanites), scripted by Jean-Luc Cornette and published by Quadrants in 2010. Maud lives in Brussels.

Alexandre Tefenkgi — Alex Born in 1979, Alexandre Tefenkgi is originally from Montpellier. After studying at the École Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc, in Liège, he met comic book artist Mauricet, with whom he now works and shares a studio. He produced a few short stories for Spirou magazine before bringing out his first cartoon album Tranquille courage (Quiet courage), published

by Bamboo.

Vanyda — Ivana Of French and Laotian descent, Vanyda was born in 1979. It was during her studies at l’Académie des Beaux-Arts (the Academy of Fine Arts) at Tournai, where she specialised in comic books, that she met François Duprat, who drew the scenes for Ivana (colours by Virginie Vidal), and with whom she worked on the comic book L’année du dragon (Year of the dragon) (published by Carabas). In her comic books, she evokes an intimate and contemporary universe, similar to the one depicted in L’immeuble d’en face (The building opposite) (Boite à Bulles), where we follow the day-to-day lives of neighbours living on the same floor, or in the comic book Celle que ... (The one ...) (Dargaud), which recounts the story of a young girl growing up and making the transition to secondary school.

You — Dimitra

Born in South Korea in 1978, You is a self-taught comic book artist. After studying computer graphics, she illustrated several children’s books, including three in the Moi je sais (I know) collection, published by Auzou. Her first cartoon album appeared in the Sorcières (Witches) series, published by Dupuis. She is currently working for the same publisher on a new story set in the late 19th century.

60

European Commission Jump start Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union 2011 — 60 pp. — 17.5 × 24.5 cm ISBN 978-92-79-16904-5 doi: 10.2767/50233

HOW TO OBTAIN EU PUBLICATIONS Free publications: • via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu); • at the European Union’s representations or delegations. You can obtain their contact details on the Internet (http://ec.europa.eu) or by sending a fax to +352 2929-42758.

Priced publications: • via EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu).

Priced subscriptions (e.g. annual series of the Official Journal of the European Union and reports of cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union): • via one of the sales agents of the Publications Office of the European Union (http://publications.europa.eu/others/agents/index_en.htm).

KE-32-10-446-EN-C

MIEL

MILLECAMPS

TEFENKGI

Jump Start

Everyone deserves a second chance

J u m p S ta r t

Four lives, four journeys. In this new comic book Jump start, find out how Alex, Nataline, Ivana and Dimitra managed to change the course of their lives. Discover how these four Europeans took on a new challenge, thanks to the support they received from the European Social Fund. Following the success of the comic book Take two, published in 2010 in 23 languages, the European Commission now brings you the second edition in the series. Inspired by true stories, these adventures are illustrated by four talented comic book artists — Maud Millecamps, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Vanyda and You — and are based on a text by Rudi Miel.

VANYDA

European Commission

YOU