BlessingBucks was established in 2006 when Harold and Ane Spies returned from the UK and wanted to make a constructive contribution to the many social and economic challenges faced by the majority of South Africans. They decided to focus on education, specifically financially needy tertiary students. Many disadvantaged students receive bursaries that pay for their tuition fees but they literally
do not have money to buy food, basic necessities and study material or to pay for accommodation and transport. They approached friends and acquaintances requesting a monthly contribution in the hope that their combined efforts will have a bigger impact in the lives of these students. Through interviews with the students whom they support they received confirmation that their relatively small monthly contribution of around R770 is their ONLY income and crucial to their survival and academic success. The full impact of conditions of poverty under which students live and how these conditions affect their academic success are often not understood. When this occurs the needs of impoverished students are not fully met and it creates unnecessary psychological stress for them. As a result, students become preoccupied with finding ways of addressing and meeting their other financial needs such as living, accommodation, resources for assignments and registration fees. Many poor students from low-income households do not have enough funds to afford food, and this has a negative impact on their academic performance (Dr Pauline Machika and Bernadette Johnson, Mail&Guardian 08 April 2014)." BlessingBucks aim to address this problem by supporting students who already have funding for their studies but who struggle to physically sustain themselves. Criteria for selection of students to support
Applicants must be:
• Enrolled at one of the country's registered tertiary academic institutions – universities , accredited learning colleges
• A citizen of South Africa or other Southern Africa states if so decided by the Blessingbucks trustees
• Academically able but financially needy
• Not have a criminal record
• Applicants can apply annually for the renewal of donations on condition that they make satisfactory academic progress. Responsibility of the recipient students
Students are expected to submit quarterly reports and exam results to BlessingBucks.
