Fort Hare University student leaders distributed 3,000 packets of sanitary towels at its East London and Alice campuses this week.
SRC president Siphiwo Ngcenge said they planned the drive in December after hearing how tough some of the students' living conditions were.
“[We] were given an extension for the 2020 academic year, and because of that we had some unfunded students.
"We found out there were female first-year students who were struggling to access basic essentials, and we made plans to put an end to this situation.”
Ngcenge said they used the SRC budget to purchase the sanitary towels.
“This is not going to be a one-off thing. We are planning to run this annually, even when our term of office comes to an end.”
Each campus received 1,500 packets, but Ngcenge said the number of students in need at the Alice campus was overwhelming compared to East London.
“We are going to encourage the student affairs division to take this project onto their calendar. It must be one of the legacies that the university needs to own,” he said.
The SRC members visited all student accommodation areas to distribute the sanitary towels. The drive, starting on Wednesday, is to last three days.
“We encourage the institution to be part of this initiative. It is initially focusing on first-year students, but we are also distributing to all students. We are pleading with them to be considerate and to let those in direst need be the first beneficiaries,” Ngcenge said.
Ngcenge said NSFAS had continued to distribute allowances for December, January and February.
“For us, next month is when we start the new year. Our major plan this year is that we need to tackle the financial exclusion affecting students. We have consolidated some sponsorship to assist, and we have come up with a financial exclusion committee to spearhead the outsourcing of sponsors and donors,” he said.
Final-year student Oratilwe Sereme, a peer educator, said the drive would make a huge difference, as some students found it hard to admit they were struggling.
“As a peer educator, I know students feel embarrassed asking for help when they need it. This drive will change that, and I believe the academic year will run smoothly,” she said.
UFH humanitarian ambassador and third-year student Iviwe Dlepu said she became involved in the project when she realised how much students' financial struggles affected their studies.
“I am very passionate about projects like this because I believe in helping those in need, especially girl children,” she said.
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