Cape Town - Education remains a crucial part of South Africa's democracy and quality education is ranked fourth on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Many young South Africans still face the challenges of access to quality education and these challenges is often a result of a dire lack of finances.
The J Nevis Bursary is an initiative that funds a student’s higher education for the duration of their studies with the help of donors and supporters.
“Our main focus is to encourage the youth to dream beyond their circumstances and believe in themselves,” up-and-coming musician Jimmy Nevis said. “The youth of June 16, 1976, stood up and changed the course of history in South Africa, and we believe that this generation has it within them to drive our country forward, and progress in a world rich with opportunities.”
This year, the Geness Foundation has come on board to help fund the 2018 beneficiary, Tevin Goodwin, who will be studying towards a Bachelor in Social Sciences degree at the University of Cape Town. Before the bursary, Goodwin thought studying for a degree would be impossible, given his circumstances.
“Honestly, the chances of me being able to afford to pursue my tertiary education in 2018 would have been rather slim, if it was not for the scholarship. My mother was involved in a freak motorcycle accident which rendered her unable to work and her insurance policies did not cover all her expenses. I despaired because I knew the odds were against me as far as studying in 2018 was concerned."
The #1to100 campaign is a goal set by both the Blue Collar Foundation and Nevis to help 100 students study further.
“This is the third year that the Blue Collar Foundation is sponsoring a student’s education, but there are so many deserving young people out there, and so we are saying to society and businesses to come on board with us and help us open the doors to education for 100 young people,” Nevis says.
“We’re filled with hope and optimism about South Africa and if we want to move forward as a country we need to stand with young people and empower them for the future.”
If you would like to support the J Nevis Bursary fund, find them at www.bluecollarfoundation.co.za or email [email protected]