That's why we launched the #givingtuesdaymandelauniversity campaign this November, in conjunction with Giving Tuesday on the 28th and into the season of giving throughout the remainder of 2023. With your donation, you will make a difference in the lives of our students and our community. You will help them achieve their dreams and overcome their obstacles. You will be part of the Nelson Mandela University family. Please join us by making a pledge and give generously to change a life.
In response, the Mandela University Food Systems programme, established a student hunger sub-group in 2022, which aims to tackle student hunger through student-centred and sustainable approaches. Some of these approaches include developing community kitchens, greenhouse skills development projects, and bursaries and scholarships for academically deserving students who face financial challenges. The #mandelauniversitygiving campaign is part of the Mandela Day 2023 Giving Campaign, with the endorsement and support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, to raise funds for these projects and to provide opportunities for thousands of young people who aspire to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela.
At Mandela University, 68% of 31 747 students received financial aid in 2022. This means that about 10 000 students are unfunded. While there is not a direct correlation between funding source and student hunger, it can be deduced that unfunded students are at a great risk of student hunger when their families are unable to provide financial support to their student children due to poor socio- economic circumstances. Additionally, funded students are also at risk. This is due delayed fund transfers or receiving funding that covers tuition, but not means for daily living.
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Hunger is a serious issue that affects many students at Nelson Mandela University. According to a recent survey conducted by the Student Affairs Department, about 30% of the students reported skipping at least one meal per day due to financial constraints. This has negative impacts on their academic performance, health and well-being. The university has implemented some initiatives to address this problem, such as providing food vouchers, establishing food banks and gardens, and partnering with local organizations and donors. However, more needs to be done to ensure that no student goes hungry on campus. The university calls on all stakeholders and friends of the University to join hands in finding sustainable solutions to this challenge.
• A balanced diet that provides adequate calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre can support students' health and learning outcomes.
• A poor diet that is high in sugar, salt, fat, and processed foods can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions that can impair students' health and learning outcomes. Food insecurity is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world. It refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food for a healthy life.
Food insecurity can have many negative consequences for individuals and communities, such as malnutrition, poor health, lower productivity, and increased vulnerability to shocks and disasters. One of the less known but equally devastating impacts of food insecurity is its link to sexual violence.
Please pledge today and help us reach higher than hope
#mandelauniversitygiving