Support UP's fight against hunger to feed struggling students
However, the university has launched its Giving Month campaign, appealing to the public, alumni and businesses to step in and help students in need.
The campaign aids 2 000 students through a nutritional programme.
The phrase, 'it takes a village', rings true for the institution as it aims to address hunger through the aid of the public.
At the heart of this effort is the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme (SNAPP), which provides qualifying students with daily meal credits or food parcels twice a month.
SNAPP project co-ordinator, Daisy Ngwenya, said students sit through lectures and write exams on empty stomachs.
'It's heartbreaking, because we know how hunger affects concentration and academic performance,' said Ngwenya.
She said the need is overwhelming, with 2 000 of Tuks' 56 000 students currently on the waiting list for SNAPP.
Yet, due to limited resources, only 250 students are receiving support.
'Imagine if the 250 students supported by SNAPP didn't have that help.
'That's 250 young people forced to worry about where their next meal comes from while trying to achieve their dreams. It's not fair,' Ngwenya said.
Beyond hunger, the university is also tackling financial exclusion through initiatives like the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Scholarship Fund, which helps 'missing middle' students whose families earn too much for government aid, but too little to cover university fees.
Ngwenya said even small acts of kindness can go a long way.
'When we hand out food parcels, students often say, 'This is more than enough'. Their gratitude reminds us why we can't stop trying to help.'
Nqwenya is inviting the public to contribute in the following ways:
– Donate non-perishable food items like long-life milk, pasta, sugar or canned goods at Loftus Stadium.
– Make a financial contribution via the university's secure online giving portal.
– Join the Food Pack-a-Thon on July 30 at Hatfield campus, where Vodacom Bulls and Isuzu Bulls Daisies players will help pack food parcels for students.
'Together we can ensure no student is left behind because of hunger or poverty.'
UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said food insecurity is one of the most urgent issues facing students today.
He added that they cannot ignore the fact that many students are going hungry.
'This is not just a university issue, it's a community issue.
'We need partnerships with alumni, businesses and the public to ensure our students don't have to choose between education and survival.'
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Centurion students sow seeds of change with sustainability outreach projects
While climate challenges and environmental degradation continue to threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide, a Centurion institution is dedicated to teaching students the importance of sustainability. The NewBridge Graduate Institute (NGI) achieves this through its flagship outreach programme dubbed Sustain, which is donation-funded. In an interview with Rekord, the institution's spokesperson, Timothy Verne, explained that the initiative was launched at the end of 2024 to align with NGI's core values. 'This was also done to help us empower student leaders who uplift their communities,' he said. Verne said the programme is built around seven foundational principles, which include service, unity, sustainability, teaching, advocacy, impact, and networking. 'Service represents NGI's commitment to giving back and supporting communities, while unity focuses on building lasting relationships and fostering collaboration. 'Sustainability reflects the institute's dedication to environmental responsibility and to creating projects with a long-term, positive impact.' He added that through teaching, using the outreach as a platform for education and advocacy, it encourages students to speak up, participate, and engage meaningfully in their environments. 'Impact ensures that all initiatives result in real, measurable change, while networking highlights the importance of expanding NGI's connections, reach, and partnerships across sectors and communities.' The programme includes a wide variety of projects both on and off campus, such as car wash fundraisers, food and clothing collection drives, visits to retirement homes, feeding initiatives, and the creation of sustainable vegetable gardens. Verne said the type and frequency of activity depend entirely on the needs of the organisation or school involved. 'For example, the planting done in June at Irene Primary School addressed a specific need at that time. 'Students from the Highveld Campus came together for a day of action, helping to establish a vegetable garden on the school grounds,' he said. With the support of NGI staff, Grade 6 learners, and NGI student Amber Hawkey, the children were introduced to sustainable gardening methods. Hawkey delivered an engaging presentation, capturing the attention of the young learners and inspiring them to participate actively. 'When I watched the learners plant their seeds, I was reminded that even the tiniest acts of kindness can have a significant impact. 'We planted more than simply a garden with this project. We planted growth, hope, and a long-lasting bond between nature and education,' she said. All the teams involved worked together to transform an empty patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden through hands-on teamwork and determination. In May, Centurion students and NGI staff also participated in a community clean-up around Bank Avenue and nearby intersections. Verne explained that, while the clean-up involved picking up litter and engaging with the public, its purpose was much deeper. 'This was collective action with purpose,' he said. 'When our staff and students work together in the community, they demonstrate what it means to lead with integrity and compassion.' NGI's project manager, Bernadette Loretz, who co-ordinated the clean-up, described the day as inspiring and humbling. 'This project reflects what we stand for at the institution: collaboration, community, and creating sustainable change.' She added that the initiative served as a reminder that a cleaner, happier environment is possible when people come together with a shared vision. Students such as Pearl Mabunda, who took part in the clean-up, described the experience as meaningful and rewarding. 'I volunteered for the NGI Centurion community clean-up because I believe small actions create big change. Making a difference starts with showing up,' she said. Mabunda added that participating in the initiative made her feel more connected to both her peers and her city and gave her a sense of pride in giving back. Verne said these projects are open to all current students and staff, regardless of which field they are in, and that student involvement is promoted through WhatsApp, campus posters, newsletters, and social media announcements. 'A considerable portion of the co-ordination is managed by NGI's Student Representative Council, which also plays a key role in encouraging other students to take part in the various initiatives.' He highlighted that one of the institute's most significant achievements is becoming officially accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC). 'This means that NGI students can now have the peace of mind that they are studying at an internationally recognised Council for Higher Education and BAC-accredited institution,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
UP encourages public to help students
JOHANNESBURG - The University of Pretoria is appealing to the public to lend a helping hand to hundreds of students. The institution is spearheading it's Giving Month campaign. The initiative encourages people to donate food items or other forms of support. This is all part of the institution's Student Nutrition and Progress Programme. A wider objective of the Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger. eNCA's Gareth Edwards spoke to Dagmar Khan Senior Development Specialist at UP's Department of Institutional Development.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Local community leader receives accolades for service
The SAPS has honoured local community leader and motivational speaker Clement TC Chauke with two prestigious awards in recognising his unwavering commitment to social transformation and youth development. During the ceremony, held in Soshanguve on July 28, Sergeant Mehala handed over the accolades to Chauke. Chauke has spent over 15 years empowering learners across Pretoria through motivational talks, educational initiatives, and community development projects. He was awarded two Community Upliftment awards for Driving Social Transformation and Youth Development, as well as a certificate for his partnerships with Soshanguve SAPS. Chauke, who is a University of Pretoria certified youth mentor and leader, has dedicated his life to uplifting the youth – turning his qualifications and passion into purpose. His influence has been felt deeply in schools such as Lotus Gardens Secondary School, Fusion Secondary School, Elizabeth Matsemela Secondary School, and Lethabong School of Specialisation, where he has consistently poured into the next generation. Beyond school walls, Chauke has hosted community talent shows, educational workshops, and business seminars, creating platforms for young people to discover their potential and develop key life and leadership skills. Speaking after receiving the awards, Chauke expressed heartfelt gratitude: 'These awards are not just mine – they belong to every learner, educator, and community leader who allowed me to serve. 'I especially dedicate this honour to my passion for youth empowerment, which continues to drive everything I do.' He also extended his thanks to various radio stations and TV platforms that have helped amplify his message over the years, making it possible to reach more young people across South Africa. Chauke, also known as 'The Voice of Awakening', aims to be a beacon of hope and transformation, and said that these awards mark yet another milestone in his mission to inspire, equip, and empower youth to walk boldly in purpose. ALSO READ: Mark your weekend adventures Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
