Suff backs 1st-year students

GEORGE NEWS - Suff Academy has launched a Mandela Month fundraising campaign to help first-year university students bridge the financial gap between starting their studies and receiving bursary funding.

The George-based youth development organisation is appealing to the public to donate R67 or more to its newly established Level Up Support Fund through its ‘67 Minutes = R67 = 67 Futures’ campaign.

The fund aims to support students during what Suff Academy describes as the “starvation gap” - the period when students have been accepted at university and approved for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or other bursaries, but funding has not yet been paid.

During this time, many struggle to cover registration fees, food, transport and study materials.
According to Suff Academy, this delay is one of the main reasons why many promising students abandon their studies before they have the opportunity to complete a degree.

The campaign follows the successful pilot of the Level Up - University Edition programme, held at the George Town Hall on Youth Day, 16 June, in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department’s Eden and Central Karoo Education District.

Matric learners from 12 high schools, including Uniondale and Haarlem high schools, attended the event where they received guidance on university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) applications, NSFAS funding, digital and financial literacy and mental wellness. They also had the opportunity to engage directly with university representatives and mentors.

Suff Academy CEO Annique Arries said the students have the academic ability to succeed but often lack the financial and practical support needed to start their studies. “The challenge is not their potential, but ensuring they have the support to remain enrolled while waiting for funding,” she said.

These George High learners provided dance and music entertainment. Back: Sharon-Rose Wentzel, Shanaaz Johannes, Angelique Willemse, Claire Moodie, Brooklynne Cunningham and Connor Pietersen. Front: Willem Payler (Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports), William Constable (dance studio teacher), Layla Damons and Caylin Prins. Photo: Alida de Beer

The fundraising campaign was officially launched at a Mandela Day breakfast at the Protea Hotel King George. Representatives from government departments, educational institutions, businesses and community organisations attended the event.

Following the George pilot, Suff Academy plans to expand the Level Up programme to Hessequa, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

People who wish to contribute, may contact Suff Academy on 044 873 5655 send an email to [email protected].

Theané la Grange, the programme co-ordinator. Photo: Supplied