About 10,000 students will need food support at UWC this year. A spokesperson for the University, Gasant Abader, says they’ve launched the Feed the Need campaign to this effect. He says this is a focused call for assistance to ensure that hunger does not undermine students’ chances of success.

“The academic year begins with hope, ambition and the promise of opportunity. Yet for thousands of students, this period is also marked by hunger – a reality that threatens learning, academic success and student wellbeing.”

About 10,000 students will need food support at UWC

Abader says student hunger is not an abstract challenge. He says it’s immediate and deeply personal. It affects concentration, attendance, retention and the ability to complete a qualification. He says between February and April, their students are most vulnerable as the academic year commences and they settle into campus life.

He added, “Nutrition is essential for learning, and without it, even the most capable students are placed at an unfair disadvantage.”

Uphold the dignity of students while meeting their basic needs

According to a press statement, to meet this need, the University estimates that approximately R7,4-million in food is required to support affected students for about two months. Abader says contributions may take the form of cash donations or non-perishable groceries. This will allow the University to respond flexibly and at scale.

“UWC recognises that hunger carries stigma, and every effort is made to uphold students’ dignity while meeting their basic needs.”

He says that all assistance is delivered in a dignified and discreet manner and will protect students’ privacy and ensure that support is experienced as care rather than charity.

A first-year student from a rural village tells his story

For Gerhard*, a first-year student from a rural village in the Northern Cape, arriving at UWC represents both hope and uncertainty. His family made significant sacrifices to send him to university, believing that education would open doors not only for him but also for those back home who depend on him.

“Student hunger is not an abstract challenge. It is immediate and deeply personal, affecting concentration, attendance, retention and the ability to complete a qualification.”

In the first weeks of the academic year, however, the reality of student life set in. Gerhard will have to attend lectures on an empty stomach for days. He dreads sitting in class, struggling to concentrate while hunger sets in. Right now, it is a quiet and isolating experience, but he is aware that many of his peers are also facing similar experiences.

Through UWC’s food support programme, Gerhard will receive a simple but nourishing meal of rice, beans, and vegetables — sufficient to restore his energy, improve his concentration, and reaffirm his sense of belonging at the University. More than nourishment, the meal affirms that he is seen, valued, and that his presence at the University truly matters.

*Not his real name

Abader says, “Stories like Gerhard’s are not isolated. They reflect the lived experience of thousands of UWC students navigating the gap between enrolment and financial aid disbursement.”

MORE INFO: Watch: SRC President, Mcntosh Khasembe

Food collection boxes are available

The University has called on staff, alumni, corporates, philanthropic organisations and members of the public to stand with students during this vulnerable period. Food collection boxes will be placed in faculty offices and at building entrances such as the library and administrative buildings. You will also find boxes at security offices at the main university entrances, and at other clearly visible and easily accessible points across campus.

“Each contribution — whether financial or in kind — directly supports students’ ability to remain engaged in their studies and to persist toward graduation.”

MORE INFO: Watch: Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour

Feed the Need: At a Glance

->  Student hunger is immediate and affects learning and academic success.

->  Nutrition is essential for retention and graduation.

->  Approximately 10,000 students require support for about two months.

->  Approximately R7,4 million worth of food is required over the two months.

->  Donations may be cash or non-perishable groceries.

->  Support is delivered in a dignified and discreet manner.

“Nutrition is essential for learning, and without it, even the most capable students are placed at an unfair disadvantage.”