The Agoraé, created thanks to the initiative of the Federation of Student Corporations and Associations of the Alpes-Maritimes (FACE 06), was initially intended to be a simple social and solidarity grocery store. It celebrated its 3rd anniversary last February in the premises of the Madeleine district, and now it is in a new 300m2 location on Alsace Lorraine street, a few minutes from the train station, in the city center.
A place more suited to its now numerous activities.
In light of Agoraé’s success, inadvertently boosted by the social and economic situation, the grocery has also become a place of socialization at first, where cooking workshops, themed meals, and a solidarity Christmas were organized.
The members of FACE then decided to transform this place into a true space for exchange and mutual aid, covering all aspects of student life. They now organize meetings and interviews there to offer advice on building a CV, successfully completing and understanding administrative procedures, better managing one’s financial situation through advice, etc. Many information and exchange services are available.
“This place illustrates the importance that the city of Nice places on student life”
Christian Estrosi, the deputy mayor of Nice, was proud to present this new student space alongside the president of the University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Frédérique Vidal, the director of CROUS Nice-Toulon, Régis Hoyer, the president of FACE 06, Graig Monetti, as well as the president of the Federation of General Student Associations (FAGE), Alexandre Leroy. This demonstrates the active cooperation of all parties (notably in the building sector to renovate the premises) to achieve this result, but mainly to continue working together.
Unanimously Enthusiastic Opinions..
On this day, Alexandre Leroy saw “a promise of the youth” driven by “a genuine activist management” that is “more than just a welcome and assistance.”
Régis Hoyer promised, among other things, to make catering professionals available to Agoraé when needed.
Christian Estrosi also assured that he wanted to go further in the support of students through various measures such as the improvement of the young health check (planned for the next term), the renovation of other campuses in the coming years, and also a measure to pay half the driving license for students who, in return, carry out volunteer work for associations in Nice.
..and Some Future Projects
Graig Monetti, president of FACE 06, took advantage of this inauguration to announce that the federation wanted to strengthen its actions for students. With this in mind, an evening university dining service will be established in these premises, still at student rates and supported by different structures, which should allow for 60 to 70 seatings.
Being at the heart of student life themselves, the members of FACE 06 are well aware that food constraints are just one of the challenges that a student faces in achieving independence, with rent burdens being even greater.
That’s why Graig also announced the start of the “Apparté” plan, which aims to provide social housing for students; five have already been found, as every initiative needs a start, just like Agoraé!
Graig Monetti concluded by aptly quoting De Gaulle:
“The end of hope is the beginning of death.”
