First-generation students at Stellenbosch University (SU) experience various challenges throughout their university careers due to a lack of resources and financial support.
This was according to Prince Qengqa, the SU Student Representative Council student wellness and student leadership development portfolio, and panellist at a recent discussion hosted by the Equality and Disability Unit at SU.
The ‘Healing and Memory: Unpacking the challenges faced by first-generation’ discussion, hosted on 3 August, created a platform for first-generation students to raise their issues related to historical trauma, language barriers and financial hardships, said Phillemon Mogale, panellist and engineering masters student at SU.
Phillemon Mogale, engineering masters student at Stellenbosch University (SU) (left) and Prince Qengqa, SU Student Representative Council student wellness and student leadership development portfolio (right), participated in a panel discussion about the challenges first-generation students face, hosted by the SU Equality and Disability Unit on 3 August, said Qengqa. PHOTO: Thameenah Daniels
The university has implemented programmes such as Strengths, Opportunities, Agency and Resilience (SOAR), which identify first-generation students and create awareness, attune students to their strengths, take ownership of, and leverage the opportunity of a higher education qualification, said Joy Peterson, head of SOAR.
A generational struggle
“The generations before me, including my generation, come from systemic access to [SU]. This has allowed us to get good jobs [and] accumulate intergenerational wealth,” said panellist Dr Wilhem Verwoerd, social activist, and grandson of Hendrik Verwoerd, former prime minister of South Africa during Apartheid.
Many students face financial struggles at the beginning of their university career, said Mogale.
Mogale, whose home language is Sepedi, said that he had little exposure to English and initially struggled to comprehend lectures, read academic materials and participate in discussions.
“I struggled to make ends meet while juggling the demands of my studies. Many days were spent worrying about where my next meal would come from, rather than fully focusing on my academic pursuits,” said Mogale.
Attendees experienced emotions of distress and anger during a discussion about the challenges that first-generation students face hosted by the Stellenbosch University (SU) Equality and Disability Unit on 3 August, stated Prince Qengqa, SU Student Representative Council student wellness and student leadership development portfolio. PHOTO: Thameenah Daniels
Sleeping at the SRC offices
When first moving to SU, some students struggled to understand the information that was sent to them, claimed Qengqa. Some were not aware that Private Student Organisations did not include accommodation and ended up sleeping at the SRC offices, added Qengqa.
“You can’t accept someone to be studying at the university without giving them necessary [information pertaining to accommodation and admin] to be able to know key information prior [to arrival],” stated Qengqa.
A recent discussion titled ‘Healing and Memory: Unpacking the challenges faced by first-generation’ was recently held at Stellenbosch University (SU) to discuss the challenges first-generation students face, was coordinated by the disability unit at SU, said Luigia Nicholas, marketing and training coordinator for the SU Disability Unit. PHOTO: Thameenah Daniels