It is a solidarity initiative that has been spreading for a few days: residents are offering, all over France, to open their homes free of charge to students who suffer from confinement or loneliness because of the health situation.
The “breath of fresh air” was launched by a Breton farmer and since the idea has gained ground: the Facebook page “The student and the breath of fresh air Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes“has over 300 members.
Among them, Sonia, who lives in Saint-Victor-sur-Arlanc near Craponne-sur-Arzon in Haute-Loire. “I remember being a precarious student a few years ago, she recounts. I know what it is. And this is even worse because most of the students have lost their student jobs. That’s why it touched me. It is a citizens’ initiative that is within my reach. I can’t do much else but this is within my reach so I do“.
Sonia suggests that the students come and spend a few days at home with her cats, chickens and outdoor walks. To change ideas.
This is also what motivated Clémence, who lives in a large house with her son and her husband, between Saint-Étienne and Roche-la Molière. A large building with two guest bedrooms, and the countryside all around. But for her, beyond the framework, what is important is to break the isolation of these young people. “We are no longer in this notion of saying: we will welcome to get them out of their solitude. They will, between quotes, mingle with a family life. And having a good time chatting at the table, and that alone I think is already very important. Maybe it’s more important than getting some fresh air. It’s a way of taking the air from the brain“.
Clémence is ready to welcome students who need it for a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.
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