Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) Student Representative Council (SRC) and crowdfunding Public Benefit Organisation, The Feenix Trust, has joined forces in the SRC Ubuntu Initiative to support two Education students in need of a funding boost to secure their academic future.
SPU opened its doors in Kimberly, Northern Cape in 2014 and is one of only two universities to do so in a democratic South Africa. Despite the province’s low tertiary education rate of 0,3% and high unemployment at 28.7%, SPU saw a growth in undergraduate numbers from 1 875 to 2 174 in 2020, with 268 postgraduate students registered for the 2021 year.
Despite financial hardships for many of its students, a commitment to good quality teaching and learning at SPU have seen the university consistently produce among the best course pass and graduation rates in the country.
The SRC Ubuntu Campaign is aimed at nurturing this spirit of excellence in its students by providing financial support to those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves experiencing difficult financial situations.
Jeffrey is one of the undergraduates who is about to complete his first year at SPU. He chose Education because he is passionate about working with the youth and firmly believes that change begins at grassroots-level.
“After my first year, I know this is my calling. Working hard is important, but unfortunately it is not enough – I need funds too. Completing my studies and landing a job will put me in a position to plough back into the community,” he says of his experience thus far.
Boingotlo of Kuruman in the Northern Cape and a first-generation university student in her family says she’s come too far to give up now.
“I chose to study Education because I want to have an impact on people’s lives. I wish to give back to the community through life-long learning and to make a difference in the South African educational system as an agent of change,” she says.
Government’s NDP Vision 2030 strives to give access to the highest quality education and training for all South Africans by 2030. This is a formidable challenge when one considers South Africa’s schools alone will need an estimated 456 000 teachers by the year 2025¹.
“Currently the country has 410 000 teachers at 25 000 schools². The number of new teachers absorbed into our school system will have to increase from 23 000 now, to approximately 40 000 per year by 2030³. So, it is clear that our universities need to generate a steady pipeline of young educators if we are to meet this goal,” says Leana de Beer, CEO of Feenix.
But financial pressure to meet the costs that come with securing a degree is simply too much for many and some students, particularly in the country’s poorer provinces, have to abandon or postpone their professional dreams.
“We’ve seen that one degree can change an entire family’s fortunes. Feenix’s mission is to break down financial barriers so that students who need support can focus on their education and look forward to a successful career,” she adds.
“I would like to use my story to inspire and motivate others, who like me, are from rural areas, to value their education. Despite coming from a financially disadvantaged background, the goals of receiving and attaining higher education is possible through hard work and perseverance”, concludes Jeffrey.
Anyone wishing to donate to Boingotlo and Jeffrey can find more information on the campaign page by clicking here.
