For the past few months, many students have been speaking out to denounce a deep malaise. The current health situation is a real test for this young generation.
It has now been almost a year since France and the rest of the world have been going through one of the most complicated health crises in history. During this past year, many students have been in limbo. Precariousness, online courses, school dropout, depression… It is difficult to put words to their feelings.
Throughout France, whether through social media or letters, different people have tried to alert the Government to explain the dismay and feeling of loneliness that prevail among these young people. “We have stigmatized the students,” says Amaury Baudoux, president of the association Face06. Young people have been singled out for spreading the virus, particularly after organizing clandestine parties with large gatherings.
Amaury Baudoux condemns these statements. “We were targeted whereas I do not think we are more responsible than any other part of the population,” he says. Yet, they too are victims of COVID-19, “we have a lot of students who have been academically failing for the past year. Eight hours of video conferencing a day is unmanageable. Thus, one cannot thrive in their studies this way,” he adds. Beyond this problem, exams are also questioned: “We end up with double-edged exams, meaning either they are too easy and the diplomas are worthless, or on the contrary, they are very hard, almost unmanageable.”
Dramatic situations to be heard
However, it took reaching dramatic situations for interest to arise around students. But today, the Government and the media are speaking more about this generation. “The most affected classes are at the forefront. There is a striking, real, and brutal increase in student precariousness,” concludes the president of Face06.
Indeed, he observes it with the attendance at the grocery store dedicated to the most disadvantaged students, “over an entire academic year, we had fewer than in this half-year, it had never happened before.” But Amaury Baudoux puts the current situation into perspective: “We are facing something unprecedented. I believe we still have many repercussions that we are not aware of today.”
To help those in need, he believes in the associative sector more than ever. “The core of associations is to respond to issues. With Face06 we try to address the issue of student precariousness and social isolation.” Young people are the future professionals, and this is a generation to be preserved. “They are the population of the future, but today they are vulnerable.”
Emmanuel Macron’s Reaction
The President of the Republic has also decided to act. In light of the complexity of the situation in which students find themselves, he wishes to take measures to help young people in need. First of all, there will now be two meals for €1 per day. Scholarship and non-scholarship students will be able to benefit from this in university restaurants.
Beyond the economic aspect, mental health is very important. For this, Emmanuel Macron has announced that it is now possible for students to come to university once a week. And finally, from February 1st, a “psy check” will be created. This means that all students feeling the need to speak with a professional will have no fees to advance.
With these measures, the President of the Republic wants to show that he is listening to the young people.
When a malaise sets in, there should be no taboo about sounding the alarm. Starting February 1st, all students who need it will be able to benefit from a “psy check” to consult without having to advance any fees.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 21, 2021
Call to Mobilize
As the leading youth organization in the Alpes-Maritimes, FACE 06 states that “the government and universities must ensure that students can return to campus, in person, to attend their courses.” Financial and psychological aid must be implemented as soon as possible to combat this situation.
Aware of the reality, the leaders of FACE 06 call on the students of the Côte d’Azur to a responsible mobilization at the Valrose Park, next Tuesday, while respecting social distancing measures.
