Stellenbosch University (SU) in South Africa recently raised R140 000 for students who face food insecurity through their Move4Food initiative. A group of 45 students, alumni, and staff from SU participated in the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) and raised over R99 661 via the GivenGain platform and R43 768,80 via SU’s direct online giving system. The funds raised represent a significant increase from the R38 900 raised by SU affiliates during the 2022 CTCT.
Move4Food is one of the eight initiatives under SU’s Bridge the Gap Annual Fund, which aims to remove obstacles and financial barriers that students face on their ‘road to success’. The initiative started in 2017 after research suggested that 30% of university students in South Africa struggle with food insecurity. The funds raised through Move4Food help provide meals to students who are unable to afford them.
Viwe Benxa, the junior alumni participation coordinator and SU’s Bridge the Gap ambassador, explained during a recent Move4Maties event that some students go to class hungry, and there have been cases of students fainting in class because of the lack of access to food. Move4Food’s contributions have had a significant impact on the lives of these students, as evidenced by the testimonies of those who have benefited from the initiative.
One of these students shared the experience by saying, “Many of us have nowhere to turn to when we are faced with hunger […] Move4Food’s contribution is the reason that we smile and still uphold our dignity as students of Stellenbosch.”
The success of Move4Food may be attributed to the generosity of individuals such as Bruno Semwayo, an SU alumnus who participated in the CTCT and raised over R1 450 for the Bridge the Gap annual fund.
The importance of initiatives such as Move4Food cannot be overemphasised, as they address a critical issue that affects the academic performance and well-being of students. Those who struggle with food insecurity face additional stress and anxiety, which often impact their ability to focus and succeed in their studies. By undertakings initiatives like Move4Food, SU is taking a proactive approach to support its students and help them overcome these challenges.
Donations to the Move4Food initiative are still being accepted through the GivenGain platform or SU’s online portal. The funds raised will continue to make a difference in the lives of students who rely on this support to pursue their academic goals and achieve success. The University’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for its students is commendable and serves as an example for other institutions to follow.
- Original article posted here.
