With over R1.7m in registration fees already disbursed to 324 deserving students in the past two years, the next iteration of #R10GoesALongWay is again promising to change the lives of South Africa’s next generation of graduates. As the campaign goes live this week, the Fundi Foundation is calling on corporate and individual donors to open their hearts and wallets, join the movement and be active agents of positive change.
Inspired by social media influencer Lasizwe Dambuza and friends, #R10GoesALongWay was launched in 2021 to overcome the barrier to entry created for many students by tertiary institution registration fees.
Now in its third iteration, it’s become a flagship initiative of the Fundi Foundation – and will be used to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who find themselves unable to access the education they deserve and have dreamt of. “We’re privileged to have taken on the full responsibility and ownership of this initiative,” says Mala Suriah, the CMO of Fundi. “We’re committed to delivering on its vision of changing students’ lives for the better and helping them to achieve their career dreams. This starts with assisting them to pay their registration fees for 2023.”
While registration fees are a standard – and necessary – part of all tertiary institution processes, Suriah explains that they can prove a formidable barrier to entry for students, especially those from the ‘missing middle’. “This group of students finds themselves ‘trapped’ in a space where they don’t qualify for NSFAS funding and their parents and family typically can’t afford to pay for their education. Many of these learners try to ‘pay as they go’, pushing for bursaries and other funding options when the new study year starts. Registration fees can stop these dreams in their tracks though, as students need to raise as much as R15K upfront and be ready to pay this by the time the first semester starts; typically in February.”
All applications receive go through a rigorous audit process, and are diligently screened and audited. Students are required to submit supporting documents relating to their registration, proving they have been accepted for their desired course. “This year’s application window will close on 14 January, giving students just over a month to apply. Successful students will have their registration fees paid directly to their tertiary institutions by the Foundation,” explains Suriah.
Because the Foundation is a registered NPO, corporates making contributions will also be issued with a Section 18A certificate for tax purposes.
“#R10GoesALongWay has already changed hundreds of lives by unlocking the start of these students’ career dreams,” says Suriah. “With the festive season upon us, we’re inviting South Africa to embrace the spirit of giving, and help the class of 2022 take this next step on their journeys. Please make the R10 (or more!) in your wallet or account count. Together we can have a real impact and do something exceptional for these students’ lives,” she concludes.
Donors interested in making a contribution should visit https://fundifoundation.org/DonatePageR10GoesALongWay
Interested students should also visit the website to apply.
About Fundi and the Fundi Foundation
Fundi is South Africa’s leading education finance and education fund management solution specialist. The company’s purpose is to help others realise their purpose. It is positioning its brand as Africa’s single source for all services that enable the education and learning journey.
Fundi’s innovative solutions span finance and education loans; end-to-end bursary administration; and cashless digital devices for students. Its “all things education” approach incorporates a full-suite offering including online student accommodation, as well as data and airtime purchases. Its full range of supportive educational services reduces administration and increases productivity for students, parents, bursars and institutions. A seamless customer experience is the company’s intended strategy.
Fundi is passionate about making a tangible difference in the life of every African through education. In 2019 it launched its own NGO – the Fundi Foundation (NPO number: IT001931/2019 PBO). Committed to partnering with public and private institutions to facilitate access to quality education for the “missing middle” in particular, the fund supports beneficiaries in both the secondary and tertiary education spaces.
The Foundation actively demonstrates Fundi’s long-term commitment to enabling education dreams and making an impactful difference in society. It is a universe of all things that enable education and learning for those who can’t help themselves.
Fundi Foundation is managed by a board of trustees made up of management at Fundi.
For more information about Fundi, visit www.fundi.co.za.
For more information about the Fundi Foundation, visit www.fundifoundation.org
