Access To Success Helps Amanda Diva’s Dreams Come True
It’s an ironic problem: A good education - and especially a good tertiary education - can make dreams come true, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with limited means. But to successfully attain that education requires transport, textbooks, fees, food security - which can be difficult for those of limited means.
To solve that problem, the University of the Western Cape’s Access To Success 2017 campaign is raising funds for deserving students. Students like Amanda Kiva, who will be able to realise her dream of graduating with her BCom Industrial Psychology degree thanks to the campaign’s efforts.
Amanda was born in the Eastern Cape, but moved to Cape Town after her grandmother died. She attended Sinenjongo High School in Joe Slovo Park in Milnerton, Cape Town. After high school the way forward was clear.
“I decided to apply to the University of the Western Cape to further my studies, as this is one of the best universities in the country,” Amanda says. “I was the first member of my family to study here.”
Amanda is grateful for the opportunity to achieve her dreams.
“I wish to thank all the donors for making the dreams come true for not only myself but for many other students - I am very grateful for the Access to Success campaign.”
After she completes her degree next year - thanks to Access to Success - she intends to start a small enterprise with the hopes of bettering the lives of her family and friends.
“My mother is my role model,” Amanda says. “She raised three children on her own, with good values and the drive to succeed.”
Whatever she does, she’ll take the lessons and values she learned at UWC with her.
“Even though I have been through many challenges,” she says, “I hope to make my University proud.”
Access To Success 2017: Helping Others Grow From Hope To Action
The Access To Success 2017 campaign includes:
• a public media fundraising campaign;?
• an alumni phonathon where current students gather testimonies from alumni and request regular,affordable annual donations; and?
• a pledge system to allow UWC staff to contribute.?
Last year the campaign exceeded all expectations, having raised over R1,6 million in pledges in three weeks - the target was R1million in five weeks - and having also brought on board 557 new alumni and staff givers.
So far, 93 students have benefited from Access To Success - and students can apply for funding through UWC’s Financial Aid Office.
To make a contribution, whether a monthly debit order or once-off donation, or for more information about the #AccessToSuccess campaign, please contact Ms Somayah Barnes at sbarnes@uwc.ac.za or visit accesstosuccess.uwc.ac.za.
