With inflation, student insecurity is accelerating. This Thursday, September 14, the Crous and the University of Burgundy decided to organize a “gratiféria”, a distribution of many everyday products. It was a huge success.
“We have to go shopping less often.” The remark made by Kathy, a second-year biological engineering student at IUT, resonates with many students in the region. To combat growing precariousness, the Crous and the University of Burgundy organized a gratiféria, a free distribution of everyday products, this Thursday, September 14.
“La Gratiféria has existed for five years, because we realized that there was a strong social demand”explains Eric Briez, organizer of this event and member of the sustainable development department of Crous BFC.
The Crous has therefore joined forces with numerous associations such as the Lions Club or the Red Cross to be able to offer first or second hand products. This year, students of all ages, whether on scholarship or not, can obtain free hygiene products, kitchen utensils, clothing or study supplies.
Students at the Gratiféria • © Antoine Jacquet – France 3 Bourgogne
For five years, solidarity operations organized by Crous or the solidarity center of the University of Burgundy have often been acclaimed. This year, student impoverishment has increased. In a report, UNEF Bourgogne estimated that the cost of student living in Dijon increased by 5.21% compared to last year.
An average monthly expenditure for a student would exceed a thousand euros. The scholarships were revalued by thirty-seven euros, to reach a maximum amount of 633.40 euros per month. An amount not sufficient, therefore: more than 200 people were present at 11 a.m., at the opening of the Multiplex room, at the Montmuzard campus.
“It’s already 20% more than the previous year. I’m not afraid to say that it will increase until 3 p.m. We can see that many students no longer have the means. There is a need for these events more than ever.”
A doctoral student in biology and a grant holder from the Tunisian State, Amani is present early this morning. She discovered this event thanks to the Crous Instagram. “Personally, I took binders and plastic bags to be able to organize my lessons.”
“I find it useful. All these products, available for free, it’s incredible. With the increase in prices, I couldn’t afford to buy them in a supermarket.” An observation shared by Quentin and Kathy. The two biological engineering students had already come to Gratiféria last year. This year, however, is different.
The clothes present during the Gratiféria • © Antoine Jacquet – France 3 Bourgogne
“We bought hygiene products and binders. The prices have increased, so these are things that are more and more complicated to buy. It’s nice to have them for free!”
Students in need can find help from their classmates. Etu’bien is a listening device between students offered at the University of Burgundy since February 2022. Coralie Ménard, one of the relay students, believes “that she encountered many mental problems, such as depression, and financial concerns.”
Valérie Grandet, president of the Lions Club Dijon, summarizes the situation: “we can see that the students are more and more in need. They arrive shy, not knowing what they are going to get. When they come out with a smile and thank us, we know that we have done good work”.
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