Begging for education
"Graduates must use the skills they received at University to help improve their communities."
AMID the uncertainty that surrounds university tuition fees, a group of young people from the Ukuhle Community Support Centre, launched their campaign to raise registration fees for disadvantaged students. Dressed in their graduation gowns, the group took over various intersections in Durban asking motorists to spare a few coins, to help raise money for poor students. The organisation, which was founded in 2009, is based in Nongoma and so far has paid tuition for more than 50 students.
Speaking to the Berea Mail in the scorching heat on Wednesday, chairman of the organisation Bonga Zulu said no one goes to school to stand at busy intersections.
“We want to challenge all those graduates who are saying they cannot find employment, to use the knowledge and skills they received at University to help improve their communities. As the tertiary academic year is about to commence, it is important that all deserving students who want to further their studies do so, without having to think about their lack of finances. We understand that the President of the country made an announcement that free education was now possible in the country, but despite the call Universities are still adamant that those who do not have the funds, will not be able to access education. This initiative is aimed at helping poor deserving students to access education,” Zulu said.
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According to Zulu, 50 students have benefitted since the inception of the program and they have set a target of R1.5 million to raise this year.
“We have paid full tuition for 50 students, which included registration, school fees and stationery since 2009. We are also aware that the target we have set for ourselves will not be achieved by this campaign. We
have planned for another campaign, where will be walking from Kwa-Nongoma to Durban in the coming months. We want to call upon all students across the country to not allow their financial situations demoralize them,” he said.
Nomfundo Zulu, who is a beneficiary of the program, is currently doing her honours degree at University of Zululand.
“I am grateful to be part of this initiative because it is related to what I studied at university.We are here as graduates to raise funds for students who have done well in their matric exams but don’t have the money to further their studies. Personally, I would also like to get clarity, regarding the call made by the President because it seems like there is mis-communication between government and other stakeholders.”
In conclusion, the chairman of the organisation said: “Our only requirement is for students to be serious about their studies and are doing good. Those who wish to contact us can do so by visiting our Facebook page Ukuhle Community Support Centre or Prince BC Zulu. All the information is there.”
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