Zoe Bok Image: Supplied

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to announce that Zoe Bok, a Master’s student in Social Work and a First Year Transitioning Officer in the Siyaphumelela First Year Experience (FYE) programme, has been selected as the 2026 Siyaphumelela ATD DREAM Scholar.

Zoe’s journey to this prestigious honour is one marked by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to student success. Zoe is a First Year Transitioning Officer within the Siyaphumelela First Year Experience (FYE) programme, helping first-year students navigate the transition from high school to university life at UWC.

“In Zoe’s nomination, she describes her educational journey as being shaped by resilience and determination. She highlights the financial challenges faced in securing funds to cover her Master’s tuition and accommodation, having received support from NSFAS for her undergraduate degree. Zoe’s financial challenges in continuing her studies are an unfortunate experience that many students relate to and remain a barrier to student success in South Africa,” said Ashton Maherry, Programme Lead: Student Success at Saide.

Her selection as a DREAM Scholar follows a year of powerful public engagements. Zoe was one of five 2025 Siyaphumelela Scholars who collaborated with the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and renowned poet Dr Diana Ferrus, a UWC alumna, to develop and perform “I Am” poems—personal reflections on their educational journeys and aspirations. Zoe’s poem was first shared at the Siyaphumelela Conference in July 2025, where she also participated in a closing plenary panel discussion.

She went on to represent UWC at the 29th Poetry Africa Festival in Durban, performing alongside fellow scholars and sharing how Siyaphumelela interventions helped shape her voice and confidence. Zoe’s poem was also featured at the Students as Partners Roundtable in October 2025, further amplifying her message of hope and transformation.

On 28 October 2025, Zoe will present her “I Am” poem and share her story at the World Access to Higher Education Data Conference, hosted at UWC. Her voice continues to inspire, not only through poetry but through her daily work supporting student success.

In March 2026, Zoe will travel to Portland, Oregon, USA, to attend the DREAM Conference hosted by Achieving the Dream (ATD). Her participation will be supported by ATD, Saide, and the Kresge Foundation, with travel and accommodation costs covered for both Zoe and her UWC mentor.

The University congratulates Zoe Bok on this remarkable achievement and commends the Siyaphumelela UWC team, led by Professor Subethra Pather, for their unwavering commitment to student voice and transformation.

Zoe’s story is a testament to the power of education, creativity, and community—and a reminder that when students are supported, they soar..