Personal message

Dear Supporters,

I am Luhle Shumi, and I am reaching out with a dream that has faced unexpected challenges but remains resilient. My journey in pursuing a BEng Degree in Chemical Engineering began with a scholarship that led to a National Diploma at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The dream of completing the BEng Degree at Stellenbosch University seemed distant until a petrochemical company granted me a bursary, opening the door to both education and guaranteed employment upon graduation—a dream come true.

However, the unforeseen arrival of Covid-19 disrupted the trajectory in 2018-2020, leading to the loss of my bursary. Undeterred, I persevered in 2021, facing personal challenges that impacted my performance in 2022. In that year, my younger brother suffered a life-altering incident. He was shot in the back and lost his legs. Coping with this devastating event significantly affected my academic focus.

Choosing to take a year off in 2023, I prioritized my well-being and now feel rejuvenated and ready to complete my studies. The University has graciously offered another chance, but there's a hurdle, clearing a debt accumulated during these challenging times.

Your support will not only help me overcome this financial obstacle but also enable me to register for the 2024 academic year and graduate in December 2024. Unfortunately, NSFAS is not an option due to their policy regarding undergraduate qualifications, leaving me in need of assistance.

I am grateful for any contribution you can make towards realizing my dream of completing my BEng Degree in Chemical Engineering. Together, we can turn challenges into triumphs and make this educational journey a success.

Thank you for considering and supporting my cause.

Kind regards, Luhle Shumi