Nomonde Zondi 

University of KwaZulu-Natal students help matric learners in rural areas apply for studying next year.

A group of students saw a need to help the grade 12 learners in the rurals to apply for high education learning in 2021. Samkelo Zuma, one of the group members said that, “Struggling to get into University because you didn’t apply early cost me a year. I ended up doing what I don’t love which made me drop out on that course.”

Zuma says a lot of people do not apply on time and mostly the reason is lack of information. He further explained that they try to explain different careers to the students and help them fill the Central Applications office (CAO) forms and the NSFAS application forms.

“We started where we did matric at Umthoqotho high school. However, we were not allowed to help and we went to the surrounding schools,” Zuma explained.

It is no secret that at the beginning of each year students stress over getting spaces at Universities and TVET Colleges. Few students get lucky to get space through walk-ins.  Other students end up doing courses they don’t like just for the sake of studying. Some students are forced to take gap year because of not getting funding.

Kwanele Nkala another member of the group says that, “We all got lucky to get spaces in January even though we didn’t apply on time. In high school we were not taught about anything related to careers at Universities. That is why we decided to go back and help our sisters and brothers.”

The group further explained that it warms their hearts when the pupils get firm offers from the higher learning institutions. Nkala explained that this motivates them because they are coming from poor backgrounds. “Some people don’t even have the school uniform so they don’t think they can go to University. However when they hear about NSFAS hope is installed,” Nkala said.

Applications for 2021 NSFAS (National student financial aid scheme) close on 30 November 2020.

Picture: meritchoice.org