The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Advancement and Alumni Relations unit, in collaboration with the DUT Convocation, are introducing the DUT Giving Tuesdays campaign, to raise money to support the Alumni Bursary Fund. This will assist deserving students who need financial assistance to pay their tuition fees. This campaign will start on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, leading up to the International Day of Charity, to be held on Tuesday, 05 September 2023 and is set to end on Tuesday, 26 September 2023.
According to Ronelle Lyson, the Alumni Relations Co-Ordinator at DUT, 05 September is the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who sadly passed on 05 September 1997. The General Assembly of the United Nations designated the 05 September as International Day of Charity to commemorate Mother Teresa’s charity work, serving the sick and the needy.
Ronelle Lyson, the Alumni Relations Co-Ordinator at DUT.
“The impact of Mother Teresa is still felt around the world. It is with this thought in mind that we ask you to please respond to your own calling, to help us assist our students by financially donating to this worthy cause during the campaign. We will be posting reminders and host various activities every Tuesday, leading up to the International Day of Charity,” said Lyson.
She further explained the concept of Giving Tuesday which was a global generosity movement that seeks to unleash and mobilise the power of radical generosity.
“Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea, a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people around the world to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity,” explained Lyson.
In recognition and promotion of the ethos of giving and generosity, DUT will be running the DUT Giving Tuesday campaign for a month. During this period, they will be encouraging DUT staff, Alumni, friends and partners to contribute financially towards the Alumni Bursary Fund and the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme.
“The Advancement and Alumni Relations unit, in collaboration with the DUT Convocation, thus, invite you to partner with us in promoting and living the DUT ENVISION2030 value of Compassion by tapping into your spirit of generosity and desire to contribute towards the improvement of lives and livelihoods. By giving whatever big or small donation you can towards the Alumni Bursary Fund, you will be able to give the gift of education and the prospect of a better life to deserving students who need financial assistance in paying for their tuition fees,” said Lyson.
Lyson emphasized that funds donated will also be used to support the DUT Phakimpilo Food Security Programme that assists students who struggle to access meals daily. Lyson stated that many DUT students can’t afford to buy nutritious food and often go hungry. This can have a negative impact on their academic success. She believes one’s generosity in this regard could be the difference between a student attending classes on an empty stomach/going to bed hungry or having a nutritious meal.
Those willing to contribute in making a difference can simply visit on the https://dutgivingtuesdays.raisely.com/ to make a donation. It’s a quick, simple, and safe process. You can determine exactly how much you would like to contribute.
“Even a little can go a long way if we all join hands and work towards a common good. Start today and let’s make a difference. Those who donate R500 or more will receive a thank you gift,” reiterated Lyson.
Pictured: DUT Alumni Bursary Fund recipients, Londiwe Zondi, Malusi Nxumalo and Thenjiwe Mhlongo who obtained their Postgraduate Diplomas in Business and Information Management at the DUT Autumn Graduation ceremony, two months ago.
Simangele Zuma
