An intrepid trek for fees
BRAAMFONTEIN – Feet4Fees raises R7 million for students who struggle to pay fees.
Wits students have raised R7 million for their struggling peers.
Feet4Fees saw 15 university students walk from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape, totalling about 1 000km, all in a bid to assist those who need it the most.
Reuben Oosthuysen headed the walk which started in Gauteng, led down through the Free State and ended in the Eastern Cape. The 21-day walk was set out not only to help those in need of university funding, but also to inspire others to do what they can for their communities.
Oosthuysen explained that the idea for the walk was birthed on a regular Sunday afternoon. “I was looking for a way to help the many students I have seen struggling on a daily basis with financial stress, and those who do not return for the next year of study because of financial constraints.”
Oosthuysen was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s book, Long Walk to Freedom. “I thought a walk would be an excellent fundraising idea and a powerful symbolic statement.”
The initial plan for the walk was to raise R1 million and, to their surprise, they far exceeded their own expectations and managed to raise an incredible R7 million. To achieve this great feat, Feet4Fees raised fund on through their website from individuals or corporate companies.
The driving force behind the walk was the need for accessible education in South Africa, coupled with each member’s personal desire to give back to the community. Oosthuysen added that this was also to spread hope to students who are currently struggling and those who might struggle with finances in the future.
Their daily challenge was to cover 60km. “Having to manage our expenses along the way and organise accommodation and meals was also a challenge.”
According to Oosthuysen, this initiative was a major learning curve. He added that they did their best to anticipate any potential obstacles and, in retrospect, the team did well.
The walk brought with it lessons of personal strength, humility and patience. “We had to learn to work together as a team in order to succeed,” he added.
Oosthuysen hopes that from this walk, people will recognise the need to address the state of education as a whole. Their message was simple – through working together we can all make a difference.
The group’s aim now is to make Feet4Fees a household name.
He expressed how it was amazing for them to receive all the support and encouragement from people across the country. “Be it in the form of a small donation or simply spreading the word about us.”
Details: Feet4Fees.co.za
