Cape Town - At a time when thousands of students across South Africa are under immense pressure and financial strain, a Stellenbosch University student, Shayen Gomis, has been awarded tuition funding for her fourth year.
Shayen, who grew up in Rondeberg near Philadelphia, has always had big dreams for her future. Her determination will not only help her complete her BA in Humanities (Psychology) but will also allow her to graduate later this year without crippling student debt thanks to Feenix and the V&A Waterfront.
“My passion is to listen to and work with people, providing them with strategies and tools to improve their lives. I love empowering people through knowledge and helping them grow and evolve. Hence my choice of a degree in psychology.”
When a lack of funds placed her degree and hopes of giving back to the community in jeopardy, Shayen wasted no time in creating a profile on Feenix, the online student crowdfunding platform where students can fund-raise for their outstanding university fees.
“Joining the platform was a motivating experience because I could see all these incredible students as determined to succeed as I was. I was also inspired to see that so many have had success with fundraising and completed their studies.
“Moreover, the Feenix team assisted me efficiently throughout the process. Whenever I had any questions about the completion of my profile, they responded promptly and very professionally,” Shayen said.
Because of her profile and fundraising activities on Feenix, Shayen’s story stood out among several others to the team at the V&A Waterfront’s corporate social investment (CSI) programme and resonated with the programme’s focus, which is to improve lives and communities in the Western Cape.
“The beauty of the Feenix platform is that it allows potential funders to connect with students’ personal stories, who they are and the communities they are from,” said Cara-Jean Petersen, Feenix student engagement manager.
The V&A Waterfront CSI programme is dedicated to creating and maintaining a culture that values financial, social and environmental sustainability.
“It gives us great joy to partner with Feenix on this exciting programme and we wish Shayen all of the best in her career,” said Donald Kau, head of PR and communications at the V&A Waterfront.
Shayen said: “As a student that did not know how she was going to cover her funding for the year, I am truly blessed and feel an extreme measure of gratitude. Once I have graduated, I hope to plough back into the community around me to inspire and empower individuals. I want to be a resource and asset for those who need psychological assistance.”
What advice would she give other students?
“Don't wait till tomorrow to do something that can have a positive impact on your future and academics. Keep working hard at your fund-raising efforts and have faith that something will happen for you when the time is right.”