As part of its community outreach strategy, the Department of Student Counselling and Health at the Durban University of Technology handed over three cheques towards the Food Security System, an initiative of the Office of the Dean of Students at DUT, on Monday (19 November 2012).

The cheques, each valued at R5000, were received by the Dean of Students Amar Singh.

The Food Security System was initiated in March this year (2012) in hopes of alleviating the growing number of students who do not have the means to buy food. The system guarantees students at least one meal a day which, according to Singh, makes a huge difference.

According to Singh’s office, the students come from impoverished backgrounds and are funded by financial aid schemes such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In most cases, staff who come across such students take the initiative to finance their (the students’) meals. However, this is not always sustainable, said Singh. The food security system thus exists to remedy this situation.

“The impact of food security on students at our University is significant as it affects them academically, socially and emotionally,” said Singh. His office has thus appealed to most academic and administrative staff to refer students that they feel need to be on this system to their office as well as to make any contribution towards the cause. The Department of Student Counselling and Health has played its part in this regard.

Naseem Haniff, Student Counselling and Health Director said her department has been visited by a number of impoverished students for counselling and health purposes. Many could not even take medication because they had no food.

Singh said he is very grateful for Student Counselling and Health’s donation as “it will help provide for more students”. With sufficient funding, the food security system could be a benefit to all deserving students. At present, the system is assisting approximately 12 students. Similar to students funded by NSFAS, students aided by the food security project use the swipe system to buy meals.

– Nongcebo Khumalo

Pictured from left: Director of Student Counselling and Health; Naseem Haniif, HIV/AIDS Centre Manager; Thobile Zulu, Dean of Students; Amar Singh, Campus Health Nurse; Soorie Wardthen and Student Counselling and Health Senior Psychologist; Sihle Mbanjwa.