A chance at success thanks to bursary fund
Learning a trade or a skill in a tertiary education is essential to get a head start in the tough wide world.
The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund saw the need to help vulnerable young people who have qualified for financial aid in tertiary educations but had no means of covering their living expenses while they study. To this end, a separate Bursary Fund (BF) was started with money donated in memory of Richard Weir by his wife Helen.
The Bursary Fund most recently helped three young adults reach their dreams by graduating from their respective courses and studies.
Orphan Fund secretary Rose Stephenson said, “It has been extremely rewarding to get to know these young people who have grown up in difficult conditions with no parents to guide them and who are now eager to be able to rise above their circumstances and make an honest living.”
Stephenson has become a mentor to the young adults and has guided them through many a difficult situation.
The Courier’s own Mbali Khubisa was one of those who benefitted from the BF.
“I cannot express my gratitude enough. You have been extremely kind not only to me but to thousands of orphans out there. Rose was a motherly figure and a pillar of strength. She always encouraged me to give of my best. Just look where I am today,” said Khubisa.
She recently graduated from Icesa City campus and is making her mark in the journalism world, working for the North Coast Courier.
“I hope that the great Lord will continue to give you strength to support more children that are needy,” said Khubisa.
Another student, Sibongiseni Masondo, graduated from his electrical engineering course at Mangosuthu University and is currently doing his in-service training at Tongaat Hulett.
“The North Coast Courier changed my life. They helped me with University and I can’t say thanks enough. Nothing can stop me now, after this I’m going to great heights,” said Masondo, who says it is all about showing up and working hard.
The third student Mbongiseni Magagula achieved his Bachelor of Arts in music at UKZN and is currently studying his honours year of library and information science at UKZN in Pietermaritzburg.
“I am very grateful for the help from the Orphan Fund,” he said.
Many of the students sponsored by the BF have applied for financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme of South Africa but often it takes a long time for it to come to fruition, and so the BF helps pay for deposits and living expenses.
An appeal has been made to help Mbongiseni Magagula with the cost of research for his studies. If you are able to help, please contact Rose on 032-9460276 or email rose@northcoastcourier.co.za.
