Context
The AGORAé project is based on the following observations: deterioration of student life, work that has become a burden at the expense of studies, isolation that can lead to discomfort and dropping out of studies. In France, student associations are behind the first university restaurants and the first student residences.
The Federation of General Student Associations (FAGE in French) wanted to provide an innovative response with the aim of contributing to equal opportunities for success by improving student living conditions. Since 2009, they have been working on these issues by proposing a project promoting the creation of social ties, solidarity and advice for everyday life: the AGORAé.
Project
AGORAé is a space of exchange and solidarity imagined by and for students. Present in different French cities, L’AGORAé offers (after study and acceptance of the files) access to a grocery store with varied and quality products, with a low financial contribution: around 20% of the usual price. The goal is that you can free up time for your studies by lowering your food budget. This principle is not a form of assistantship but a participative food offer.
The association also offers support to students in their projects.
Many activities are offered (workshops, outings, evenings, sports activities...), solidarity breakfasts, etc... This centre is also a friendly place to have lunch, work, relax, read, learn, discuss, meet, etc... A participatory library is also available.
Implementation: being a beneficiary of AGORAé requires adherence to the principles and values that govern it. Its values are solidarity, mutual aid, respect. Its principles are participation, support and involvement. The beneficiaries agree to participate in the life of the AGORAé. To be an actor in student solidarity and bring AGORAé to life, it is important that everyone is the driving force of active solidarity: "help yourself or even... help others!"
Results
In 2019:
- Nearly 16,000 participations in activities
- Over 1.8 million euros in food products or not, distributed to students through all Agoraé grocery stores in France
- 163 tonnes of food sold in the Agoraés
- 3,000 students benefiting from food aid
Complementary to existing solutions, this service aims to:
- allow students to free up more time for their studies, hobbies and projects
- access a healthy, balanced diet that really fits their budget;
- create a space of life and exchange open to all (except solidarity grocery), therefore non-stigmatizing
Project leaders
The mission of FAGE and its network is to defend the rights of students and to bear witness to their daily life. This is why they are mobilizing day after day to fight against insecurity, in order to ensure decent living conditions and studies for all students. Since 2011, FAGE has opened 18 AGORAé, notably in Paris and Lyon.
In Paris, the project is entirely carried out by students, volunteers or on Civic Service contracts. Beneficiaries of the grocery store are also students. This peer support allows, on the one hand, facilitated contacts, and on the other hand, a skill improvement for the team, in which the beneficiaries can get involved.
The Little Extra
The AGORAé are managed at the local level by the students of the FAGE network who are accompanied by the national teams as well as by young people in civic service. Its mode of operation as well as all the partners make it possible to link many actors of society: students, civic services, universities, public authorities, suppliers, patrons and companies, etc. These structures thus make it possible to create a global but local organization, with social benefits.
Written by Alice Deshons, LFC volunteer - March 2019.
Last modification : 08 Jul 2020.
AGORAé
A space of exchanges and solidarity, it is living space open to all and a solidarity grocery accessible on social criteria. Managed by students for students, AGORAé is a non-stigmatizing place working for equality of access and success in higher education.