By Vuyolwethu Nzolongwane
A group of Walter Sisulu University (WSU) final year students have started a food parcel distribution initiative for unfunded students.
Inspired by a similar initiative by University of Cape Town students, Khanyise Mlakuhlwa suggested the WSU students’ Facebook group find out whether they would be interested in assisting with donations if she were to start a #TogetherWithUnfundedStudents initiative to help those who are not fortunate enough to have funding or those who do not receive an allowance for food and necessities and the response that she got was very positive.
With barely a month in operation, the group has raised R2 757 in monetary value from donations obtained from students in different levels of study.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Akhona Nxumalo said that the group is very grateful for the support that they have received from their peers and that they are looking forward to taking their initiative to greater heights.
”We would like to thank WSU students for their love, support and generosity because had it not been for them, our initiative would not be as successful as it has been so far,” said Nxumalo.
To make sure that the initiative’s distribution process is legitimate and fair to all those who receive food parcels, they have put in place a vetting process where student have to bring their proof of registration together with their ID and three months banking statement to make sure that although the student might not be funded, they are not in any way getting monetary support elsewhere.
“We would like to help every unfunded student at WSU but at the moment we are focusing on first-year students since they are still unfamiliar with res life and they might only know a few people at res and it might even happen that their friends that they rely on are not funded as well so they are unable to help one another.
We are also distributing food parcels to continuing students, not sideling BTech and Advanced Diploma students but for now, these are the groups that we are prioritizing,” said Nxumalo.
Nxumalo said that they are hopeful that they will secure enough donations to extend their reach to other students that are in different study levels and they are also hopeful that their initiative will grow to an extent where they would be able to not only assist WSU students but unfunded students from other institutions of higher learning as well.
“We would like to appeal to anyone who would be willing and able to donate to please feel free to contact us and donate whatever they can because we are not picky when it comes to donations, we accept anything, as long as it will make a difference in the life of an unfunded student,” said Nxumalo.
To donate, contact Akhona Nxumalo on 073 127 1603 or Khanyisile Mlakuhlwa on 071 548 8778.