Attending university is a dream for many young people, but for most it remains just that, a dream. The #feesmustfalll movement during the years brought to light the fact that majority of South African student cannot afford university education. Statistics show that a huge number of student drop out of varsity in their second year due to lack of funding and the fact that varsity fees increase every year doesn’t help.
This year, Third-year students at the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg took it upon themselves to do something and help their fellow students stay in School.
On the 9th of May 2018, the students hosted a Gala dinner event. The purpose of the gala dinner was to raise funds for the missing middle initiative. The Missing Middle is an initiative that assists students who do not qualify for funding from other financial institutes. The students also had an auction to make sure they make enough funds for the missing middle, items such as art paintings, holiday getaways, wine collections, skin and hair products are some of the items that were auctioned on the night. Guests were treated to a 5-course meal and all the meals were created and prepared by the students.
Parents, family members and close friends came in numbers to support their sons and daughters. One parent said, “We are very proud to see our children reach out, use their skills and education to help other students who are in need”.
This event is part of the student’s curriculum and Mrs Lisile Schie, Lecture for culinary studies was so proud to see the students pull off an outstanding event without prior experience.
The School of Hospitality and Tourism students are thankful to all their sponsors who made the event possible.
