#ClubOfTheWeek – Meet the AMESF
This week, we’re talking to Justine Rizzo, president of the Montpellier Midwifery Students’ Association (AMESF). From its goals and initiatives to its mission—find out everything you need to know about this association in this interview!
In a nutshell, what is AMESF?
AMESF is the student association for the midwifery program in Montpellier. Our goals are to represent midwifery students, provide services and recreational activities for our members, and organize solidarity and humanitarian initiatives. To this end, we are part of several student association networks. First, at the local level with AGEM, the General Association of Montpellier Students, and also at the national level with ANESF, the National Association of Midwifery Students.
What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?
Our year is punctuated by several events, some for entertainment purposes—such as the End-of-Year Gala—and others, like the Concert en rose, which is a charity event benefiting the Naître en Rose association.
Throughout the year, we also organize several community outreach events where our members can volunteer to help us staff booths. During “Pink October,” we raise awareness about breast cancer and hold a fundraiser for the organization “Cancer du sein, Parlons en !” We also participate in the Telethon and Sidaction.
This year, a new project was launched for the first time: the “Endometriosis” project. It is particularly close to our hearts because this condition is not well known, yet it affects about 10% of women. We visited several faculties in Montpellier to meet with many students and faculty members who aren’t necessarily in the health field (Faculty of Sciences, Paul Valéry University, and the Faculty of Sports Science). We were able to raise awareness about this condition through flyers, quizzes and games, and an information display. We concluded the week by organizing a “film-discussion” event at the Faculty of Medicine on the topic. Following a short film, a discussion took place between various healthcare professionals (midwives, gynecologists) and the audience. We thus raised awareness about this condition and also raised significant funds for research through the “EndoFrance” association.
Finally, we also partner with the French Blood Establishment; every month, we raise awareness about donating blood, plasma, and bone marrow, and announce the various collection sites through our publications.
Why did you personally choose the midwifery program? In your opinion, what does the association offer students in this program?
What I love about being a midwife is working in healthcare, helping families during a special time in their lives—such as the birth of a child—and being able to guide, support, and advise women throughout their lives. Being a midwife requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, including gynecological, pediatric, and obstetric expertise. This profession involves having a thorough understanding of women’s physiology and being able to detect even the slightest problem.
For its part, the association provides students in this program with support, activities, and opportunities to explore various issues. It also allows them to participate in various community service and humanitarian projects, as mentioned earlier. The association offers support to both new students and upperclassmen in this program.
Why do you think someone should join your organization?
Membership offers many benefits, which we have categorized into several areas.
The Education Division |
The Entertainment Hub |
The Student Services Office |
The Partnership Division |
The Representation Division |
The Solidarity Division |
| It allows us to set up a system for sharing notes and printing out course materials in paper format. We also place group orders for books and supplies for the workshops. | It allows members to attend the events we organize and enjoy special rates at select restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Montpellier. It’s also an opportunity to foster a sense of community through our events, such as the end-of-year gala. | It provides access to “SOS Nounou,” a service that connects midwifery students with parents looking for babysitters. We also offer the option to order vegetable baskets at affordable prices. | It allows our members to get discounted prices from our association's partners | It allows students to stay informed about the various discussions and training sessions organized by AGEM and ANESF and to participate in them. | It entitles members to participate in all the activities we organize, such as those mentioned above. |
How do I sign up? 
By paying the €10 membership fee at the AMESF office, located on the Arnaud de Villeneuve Campus at 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier 34090.
Starting this year, any student, regardless of their major, can join our association. While they don’t have access to all the same benefits as midwifery students, they’re welcome to attend our social events, share their ideas, or get involved in our various projects, for example!
A few words about the 2020–2021 board?
We have complete confidence in the next generation; great things are in store, and we can’t wait to see them bring all their projects to life!
In the meantime, you can find us on all our social media platforms!
Facebook: AMESF – Montpellier Association Association of Midwifery Students in Montpellier
Instagram: amesf_sfmtp
Snapchat: amesf_sfmtp
Twitter: AMESF_SFMTP
