Faced with the growing precariousness affecting students in France, this Thursday, members of the UNI 06 association organized a major free distribution of food and hygiene products while respecting health protocols. After already conducting this solidarity action at Jean Mรฉdecin last week, this second distribution took place at the Les Collinettes student residence.
Student precariousness, financial problems, psychological issues… The troubles that young students may face can lead to concerning situations, even suicidal thoughts. This is something UNI 06 cannot allow. To combat this scourge, the members of the association decided to organize another major free distribution of food and hygiene products open to all students. Like last week at Jean Mรฉdecin, this act of solidarity proved successful: between 150 and 200 packages were distributed.
Thank you UNI 06 for your solidarity with students
Gathered at the main entrance of the Les Collinettes student residence, located near the Faculty of Law and Political Science in Nice, members of the UNI 06 association provided nearly 200 packages to passing students, some of which were leftovers from the previous distribution. Packed in bags supplied by the department and Carrefour supermarket, many products were distributed. Chips, biscuits, rice, pasta, shampoo, gel…
“Beyond food products, it’s a current topic since we also offer hygiene products for girls. As the latter are expensive, they are supposed to be free in the coming weeks, but for now, we’re not there yet. That’s why we conducted a communication campaign with all the donors. Each product (shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products…) is important.” explains Andrรฉa Orabona, responsible for UNI 06, who reminds that small gestures can help tremendously.
Students at the residence have the opportunity to leave with a bag of food, a pastry, and a drink offered as a sign of solidarity. Alpha, 26 years old, is a law student. He expresses his gratitude to the organizers of this campaign. “I am not entirely affected by precariousness, but as a student resident, I needed to do some shopping, and I saw this large distribution. I find it very kind to help students, especially those who have to finance their studies and pay their rent on their own.”
A collective action as financial, social, and psychological aid
Faced with the loss of student jobs and the rise of precariousness, a large portion of the student middle class finds themselves in an increasingly precarious phase. In other words, these students who do not benefit from a scholarship or even French state aid are directly “penalized.” To enable these young people to access these essential products, the UNI 06 association was keen to organize this major distribution without significant social criteria.
“With this distribution, we operate with a policy that does not require any school certificate or identity proof. Everyone needs access to these products so they can eat their fill. We are doing a sort of ‘open’ distribution. That is, you come, take what you need, and leave comfortably.” explains Nino Guardigli, secretary of the association, who mentions the government’s unconvincing reactions to the consequences of student precariousness (depressions, suicides…).
UNI 06 doesn’t plan to stop there. Very soon, another major free food distribution is envisaged. The members also plan to spread the action throughout the department.
