Thabisa Radebe ambassador aims for success

Thabisa Radebe, 20, from Bizana Eastern Cape, believes the University of the Western Cape’s Access to Success 2017 campaign has changed the lives of many students – and her own is definitely one of them.

The Access to Success campaign, running from 7 August to 31 August 2017,  focuses on providing much-needed funding to students who are performing well academically, but who cannot afford university fees.

For the second-year Natural Medicine student, the funds provide a sense of security that will help her take her studies forward.

“I no longer have sleepless nights<” she says. “The campaign has encouraged me to continue my hard work and I know that it will now pay off.”

Thabisa says her fondest memory of her time at UWC (so far) is volunteering for the Access to Success 2016 campaign, where she worked tirelessly to help raise funds and spread the UWC success story.

“Engaging with alumni on the phone and hearing their stories gave me hope and strength to pursue my dreams, even through my struggles,” she explains.

But her success did not come without struggle.

“The toughest challenge I faced was for funding in 2016. In everything I am grateful for the funds donated for me to complete my studies. This campaign has taught me the importance of giving back and creating opportunities for others.”

Thabisa wants to pursue a degree in medicine, and ultimately to specialise in paediatrics – a dream her family strongly supports.

“My role models are my parents,” she says. “I admire them for their hard work and for always encouraging me to chase my dreams.”

She’s thankful for the efforts of the Access To Success campaign.

“I wish to extend a big and special and sincere thank you to the donors for making this funding available to us,” she says. “It’s encouraged me to work hard and achieve my dreams.”

Access To Success 2017: Helping Others Grow From Hope To Action

The Access To Success 2017 campaign includes:

• a public media fundraising campaign;
• an alumni phonathon where current students gather testimonies from alumni and request regular, affordable annual donations; and
• a pledge system to allow UWC staff to contribute.

Last year the campaign exceeded all expectations, having raised over R1,6 million in pledges in three weeks – the target was R1million in five weeks – and having also brought on board 557 new alumni and staff givers.

So far, 93 students have benefited from Access To Success – and students can apply for funding through UWC’s Financial Aid Office.

To make a contribution, whether a monthly debit order or once-off donation,  or for more information about the #AccessToSuccess campaign, please contact Ms Somayah Barnes at sbarnes@uwc.ac.za or visit accesstosuccess.uwc.ac.za.

Source University of the Western Cape