A significant donation from the Ball Family Foundation towards one of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) five key areas as part of its newly launched COVID-19 Relief Fund has significantly narrowed this digital divide.
“Stellenbosch University is well aware that access to online learning poses huge challenges for many of our students, and that is why we found ways in which we could support all our students to continue with their studies in 2020 and give them the best possible chance to succeed”, says Sarah Archer, Director of Fundraising in the Development and Alumni Relations Division.
“In response to the need of students who indicated that they did not have access to computers at home or within their residences, SU managed to source 1 500 laptops that will be provided to students on a loan basis. This is, however, a temporary solution that leaves students vulnerable to digital exclusion once again at the end of the academic year when they have to return the devices”, Archer says.
“Thanks to the generosity of our longstanding partner, the Ball Family Foundation, we have been able to gift some of our students with a laptop that they can use for the duration of their studies and beyond.”
The Ball Family Foundation has been supporting academically strong students from disadvantaged backgrounds at SU for many years, and the Foundation’s latest gesture to help disadvantaged students has enabled the University to narrow the digital divide among students.
“Their latest gesture ensures that some of our most vulnerable students have continued access to technology allowing them access to online study materials and other digital resources that would aid them throughout the course of their studies. And for this we are very grateful”, Archer concludes.