HOPE FOR HUNGER: A HELPING HAND FOR POTCHEFSTROOM STUDENTS

Jomari Langenhoven
@__joma.ri_

On 14 May, the Hope for Hunger initiative was launched to help Potchefstroom students in need.

Century 21 Student Hub and Century 21 Potchefstroom, in collaboration with CRC Cares and Ukufuduka, identified the food insecurity experienced by students, particularly National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students.

The Hope for Hunger initiative aims to help students one meal at a time, to ensure that students are nourished and able to achieve academic success. Food packs consisting of eight meals are provided by Hope for Hunger.

According to Anke Nel, the manager of Century 21 Student Hub, “Students face the dual burden of malnutrition, hunger and obesity. This leads to stress, poor health, low academic scores, and increased drop-out rates. All of this squanders the valuable resources invested in higher education. Hope for Hunger is not just a programme, it’s a commitment. It’s our way of making a tangible difference in our students’ lives. We are rolling up our sleeves and serving our community.” Nel invites other community members to join their cause to make a difference.

Musa River, the project manager at CRC-Cares, emphasised the significance of this initiative and partnership.”Most NSFAS students do not know where their next meal will come from, and students who go hungry are denied the possibility of achieving their full potential. We want to help create food security, and that is why we joined forces with Century 21 to make a difference in the lives of these students,” River commented.

NSFAS students from the Century 21 Student Hub were invited to a motivational morning to fill them with hope and encouragement.

Pastor Marista Oosthuysen and Amo Mojaki, speakers from CRC Cares, delivered inspiring speeches. Mojaki, a former NSFAS student, encouraged students by sharing his own experience and highlighted the importance of choice when it comes to shaping their future. Oosthuysen encouraged students to have faith in their opportunities and talents, assuring them that their futures are not dictated by their pasts.

At the event, students were given sample snacks from the meal packs provided by the initiative. The positive feedback further emphasised the initiative’s potential to provide food security.

Students in need can visit the offices of Century 21 Student Hub from Monday to Friday, between 15:00 and 16:00, to collect food parcels. Everyone is urged to spread the word to ensure that as many students as possible receive the help they need.

Donations can be made by contacting Century 21 Student Hub at 018 100 004. Contributions can also be made via Potch Night of the Hope donation link (www.potchnightofhope.co.za).