On January 13, 2012, FACE 06 (Federation of Student Associations and Corporations of the Alpes-Maritimes), together with Lyon, opened the first two solidarity grocery stores in France for students, named Agora-E. Today, there are seven.
The goal of this Agoraé, a project supported by the FAGE network of associations, is simple: to provide students whose financial situation complicates their studies with food aid and low-cost school supplies (90% discount). But above all, to offer a truly dynamic living space; civic service members and volunteers allow beneficiaries to access legal aid, social assistance, professional integration actors, culture access, and many other resources.
Two years on, the Agoraé FACE 06 is doing well. Moreover, it has become a vibrant space that has seen the birth of many projects: themed meals, the Student Christmas event, cooking workshops, dance classes, all to forge as many connections as possible with students from all backgrounds.
For Jérôme Doyet, president of FACE 06, “The basic intention was not to add another social aid, but to rethink social aid differently. The beneficiary should no longer need to be one as quickly as possible—not through forced exit, but simply because they no longer need it. For this, individual support and mutual commitment were necessary. The Agoraé FACE 06 is further proof of student solidarity among peers, which is dear to us.”
