For 28-year-old Matie alumnus Jazz Rampen, supporting Stellenbosch University’s Bridge the Gap (BTG) campaign meant playing his part in contributing to a brighter future for talented young Matie students.
“Personally, I strongly feel that all people should have equal access to education, therefore I was very happy to make my donation,” he says.
BTG was established in 2021 and invites alumni, the student community, staff, parents, and friends of the University to support students in overcoming the financial obstacles blocking their path to success. The aim of the campaign is to close the gap between talent and financial need and to make a tangible difference in the lives of students.
The University is raising funds for various initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include: #Move4Food and the Tygerberg Pantry Project to curb student hunger; #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, Caught in the Middle, and #Zim4Zim to clear outstanding student debt; #EndPeriodPoverty to make sanitary hygiene products available to students who cannot afford them; and #MatiesHaveDrive to provide driver training for students who require a driving licence in order to get a job. Supporters can choose which priority initiative they would like to support, whether that is a particular initiative or the Fund in general.
Jazz, who works as a learning consultant in sustainability for a Dutch bank, says being compassionate and sharing with others are values that his parents passed on to him.
“Growing up I saw my parents caring for others and giving away their tithes to the church. Now that I am in a place where I am able to give and contribute to society, I feel that it is my duty to do so. I generally contribute to initiatives I feel a connection with and in this case, the BTG Fund ticked all the boxes.”
His message to fellow alumni is to make that leap and pay it forward. “I was surprised by the variety of initiatives within the BTG campaign. I would therefore recommend you all to have a look, I am confident that there is an initiative close to your heart as well.”