Sol Plaatje University’s student representative council and crowdfunding public benefit organisation, The Feenix Trust, have joined forces to support two Education students in need of funding.
TWO EDUCATION students are the first batch of students from Sol Plaatje University (SPU) who will receive crowdfunding through SPU’s student representative council Ubuntu campaign and crowdfunding public benefit organisation, The Feenix Trust.
The campaign aims to raise R296,816.58 by November 12. No contributions have been collected so far.
The trust assists middle-income bracket students who do not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme but who also cannot afford their tuition fees.
The funds generated are paid directly to the university to cover tuition fees, student accommodation, books, data for online learning and to pay off historic student debt.
The CEO of Feenix, Leana de Beer, said that the two SPU students, Jeffrey Mosese and Boingotlo Motswagole, had pursued various avenues to source funding, but were unable to secure adequate contributions.
“They found an alternative in Feenix, which was created to give students like them a credible, secure platform to raise funds.”
De Beer added that any student attending a public tertiary institution in South Africa could apply to them for crowdfunding.
“Feenix has already raised R80 million for 2,131 students to date.”
She said that 410,000 teachers were employed at 25,000 schools in the country and more educators need to be absorbed into the schooling system each year.
“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 2030. It is clear that universities need to generate a steady pipeline of young educators if we are to meet this goal.”
De Beer pointed out that the financial pressure to cover the costs of a degree was simply too much for many students.
“Particularly in the country’s poorer provinces, students are forced to abandon or postpone their professional dreams.
“We’ve seen that one degree can change an entire family’s future. 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 added.
Mosese is expected to complete his first year of studies at SPU at the end of the year, where he is studying towards a Bachelor of Education degree.
“After my first year, I knew this was 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,” Mosese said..
He added that he wished to inspire and motivate others, to value their education.
“Despite coming from a financially disadvantaged background, the goals of receiving and attaining higher education are possible through hard work and perseverance.”
Motswagole, from Kuruman, is the first generation in her family to attend university.
“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 said.
