On Friday evening, the Federation of Student Associations and Corporations of the Alpes-Maritimes opened the doors of the Agora-é grocery store, located on Alsace Lorraine Street in Nice.
“The Agora-é is somewhat like the older sibling to students,” explains Guillaume Dominguez, 20, a law student and press officer of FACE. The Agora-é is actually a “social and solidarity grocery store” created by students for students.
Indeed, student life isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to budgeting. The Agora-é particularly offers students in the most financial need quality products for only 20% of their original price. This means that a grocery basket usually priced at 70 euros would cost just 14 euros for a student.
However, in order to access this privilege, a condition and a dossier must be completed (available on the premises of the Agora-é). The condition is that a university student must have a “living balance” between 1 and 7 euros. Naturally, the dossier goes before a committee before it is either accepted or rejected.
“Out of 150 applications last year, only 3 were rejected,” says Emilie Vica, manager of the Agora-é grocery store and a young student. It should also be noted that the application is only valid for 5 months and can be renewed once a year for another identical period. In total, this allows access to the grocery store throughout the academic year.
While the solidarity grocery store helps many students with budget difficulties, FACE doesn’t stop there. “The Agora-é is not just a grocery store; it’s also a space where university students can come to talk and seek help if they have problems,” explains Guillaume Dominguez.
Taking to heart and seriously the difficulties their peers may face, these young students are determined to do whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of their studies.
“We are trying to create several partnerships,” confides Johann Cosic, 22, a Political Science student. These partnerships facilitate more opportunities for young people, particularly in housing. “Right now, we are negotiating an entire building with private landlords,” explains Johann Cosic. Again, this initiative will allow a student to pay much less rent than usual.
FACE is also there to accompany, advise, and support all young university students, whether they are in difficulty or not. It is a wonderful initiative and a beautiful spirit of solidarity that should be taken as an example.
