The No Student Hungry bursary programme (NSH) at the University of the Free State continues to play an important role in the lives of more than 100 students ensuring that needy students do not study on an empty stomach. A volunteer team will cover more than 1 000 kilometres in approximately 33 days to create awareness of and raise funds for this project on 1 May. The team will depart from Bloemfontein and walk all the way to Cape Town between 06:00 and 18:00 daily.
Adéle van Aswegen from the UFS says, she regularly meets financially distressed students who cannot even afford one meal per day at the university. Therefore, she decided to walk for this cause and show her support for the campaign. One of the coordinators of the walk project, Ntokozo Nkabinde, says they expect to arrive in Cape Town on 2 June.
The NSH project was started in 2011 by prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State as well as Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs. By offering students a small daily allowance, the project aims to alleviate food insecurity among students at the UFS in order to significantly enhance their chances of completing their studies. The bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need, good academic performance, active participation in student life programmes and commitment to serving the community. This initiative has been changing the lives of students at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses. It will be launched at the South Campus this month.
According to NSH programme coordinator, Vicky Simpson, they are planning a big send-off for the walk team on 1 May. A 5 km fun walk will also be held. Exhibitors and entertainment are available. Tickets are available at R20 each. Lots of prizes can be won.
Nico Piedt and Ronél Warner will join van Aswegen and Nkabinde on the route to Cape Town.
Those interested in joining the team or to take part in the 5 km fun call Vicky Simpson on 051-401 7197 or simpsonvz@ufs.ac.za.
