Personal message

Hello everyone,

After many attempts to approach organizations and various companies for a bursary or sponsorship, I have decided to reach out for a very special cause dear to my heart.

This is her story!!!

I commenced my teaching studies at CPUT in 2020, a significant turn of events after facing rejection from a university. The impact of a rejection letter often goes unnoticed. Despite the initial excitement, my NSFAS approval status changed from eligible to rejected due to an inaccurate household threshold rule. Despite a successful appeal, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic hindered communication with NSFAS officials.

Nevertheless, I completed my first year without funding, excelling in all modules. Fortunately, I received a SETA bursary at the year's end for my commendable academic performance.

In 2021, as I entered my second year, the absence of funding and a challenging household situation caused significant stress. With my father's reduced work hours due to COVID's impact on his company, financial struggles intensified. A private company reached out and funded only my tuition fees, excluding additional allowances. Although this funding was a highlight, it led to unforeseen challenges. Necessities became luxuries, prompting me to take a job at a contact center. The shift work adversely affected my ability to attend online classes, ultimately resulting in the failure of my academic year.

In 2022, my university granted me a second chance for my second year after I provided evidence explaining my previous failure. Realizing the importance of this opportunity, I committed to working extra hard. As things normalized and my dad resumed full-time work, I left my job to focus entirely on being a student. Despite the challenges of securing funding as a repeating student, I remained resilient in my pursuit of academic success.

However, in March 2022, my dad's diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer led to him being unable to work, prompting me to apply for a teaching assistant position in April. While juggling this role, I managed to participate in online classes and handle my university responsibilities. Despite the difficulties, I persevered, though my accumulated debt from the previous year required signing an acknowledgment of debt to register for my third year.

In 2023, I embarked on my third year, carrying the burden of previous debts and returning to campus for face-to-face learning as the pandemic subsided. Despite the fear of rejection, I applied to NSFAS again. However, February brought the devastating loss of my father to cancer, casting a shadow over my ability to complete the year amidst grief. The mourning process was challenging, affecting every aspect of my life.

In April, an uplifting moment occurred when NSFAS approved my funding, relieving the financial strain. This support meant I didn't have to work to provide for my pensioner mother, covering my expenses like travel, books, and living allowance. Despite the profound grief, I managed to complete the year, marking it as one of the most challenging periods due to the loss of my father.

In my current and final year, 2024, I reapplied to NSFAS only to encounter rejection due to the N+ rule, despite being funded for just one year. Fortunately, my campus allowed registration, acknowledging my existing debt. However, by the end of February, I must secure funding or set up a debit order to meet financial obligations in order to graduate. The challenge lies in being unable to seek employment, as face-to-face classes demand my presence in every class every day.

This is my appeal to you. Education has been my gateway to knowledge and personal growth, and I am passionate about making the most of this last academic stretch. Your support will not only contribute to my academic success but also to the positive impact I hope to make in the future.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to realizing my aspirations. I am truly grateful for any support you can provide on this journey towards completing my education.

GOD BLESS

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