Nelson Mandela University has announced the launch of the transformative 'Nourish Minds, Feed Futures' campaign, designed to combat student hunger and educational exclusion. This critical fundraising initiative addresses the pressing issues of food insecurity among students and the need for bursaries, as rising costs of living and tuition fees leave many young people facing the impossible choice between eating and learning.
Prof Sibongile Muthwa, Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, emphasized the importance of this campaign: “Education must not become something that only those who can afford to eat get. The ‘Nourish Minds, Feed Futures’ project echoes Madiba’s view of education as a driver of change'.
The campaign comes at a crucial time, as the Eastern Cape faces a 'technical recession' due to significant declines in the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries, according to the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC). This economic downturn has placed many families in a position where they cannot financially support their children, even if they have the academic qualifications for university admission.
Currently, Nelson Mandela University distributes 1,100 food parcels each month, but the demand exceeds 5,000. The severity of the situation has prompted the formation of a student hunger working group, dedicated to finding sustainable, student-centered solutions to this crisis.
The University is calling on graduates, business partners, and community members to support the campaign. There are several easy ways to contribute:
1. Make grocery shopping an act of kindness by buying an extra item.
2. Donate non-perishable items from your pantry.
3. Contribute small, impactful items such as instant noodles, granola bars, or canned soup.
Every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to shape the future of a student and, by extension, the future of the country.
The 'Nourish Minds, Feed Futures' campaign is a vital step towards ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed academically and thrive personally.
