In a particular context dominated by the Coronavirus, Agoraรฉ FACE 06 is trying by all means to support the most disadvantaged students.
With the curfew in place in the Alpes-Maritimes, and the requirement to be home by 6 p.m., the situation is becoming critical for some students affected by precariousness. To combat and improve the living conditions of these young people, FACE 06 (Federation of Student Associations and Corporations) is trying to find several solutions, such as the creation of a grocery store.
The project initially focuses on food, which is highly sought after by students in financial difficulty. In the grocery store, there is a range of food products and also hygiene products. Mathieu Baconnier, a project manager in the association, explains the process: “We get our products from the Food Bank and, subsequently, we sell them at 15% of the market price to our beneficiary students.”
In this difficult period, the grocery store can also count on the help and support of the City of Nice, with, in the end, products offered, as explained by the volunteer in charge of the grocery store: “We have received many donations from the city which we then offer free of charge to students or young people under the age of 25.” To access this wonderful solidarity initiative, students present certain documents such as personalized housing assistance (APL), parental assistance, rent, or their identity card.
Proof is required to prevent abuse. A helping hand for students with the implementation of monthly baskets that can range from 10, 14, 18, or even 22 euros depending on the difficulties encountered. Food distribution, conducted by volunteers, follows the students’ course with a grocery store open from October to June. The FACE 06 initiative also helps to avoid the “student job” which often forces students to work to survive.
A listening unit for students
Since the announcement of the second lockdown, FACE 06 has taken the initiative to restart its “Hotline,” a listening unit for students. Besides the food aspect, the association based in Nice also takes care of the mental health of students. Isolation, doubts, loss of direction… students can rely on the availability of a member of FACE 06. With a relatively early curfew in the Alpes-Maritimes as in many other departments, the objective is to exchange, share or ask questions in order to assist them.
