International students on Vaal campus get food parcels

International students on the Vaal campus of the North-West University will get food parcels on Friday, distributed by the Student Campus Council (SCC), to help them because they were unable to return home during the lockdown.

In an effort to provide interim relief to the international students, the SCC’s food parcel project will offer temporary relief to international students who were unable to go home before the Coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

The food parcels will be donated to international students who are staying in NWU residences and in private accommodation, said the SCC in a communique provided to threestreamsmedia. 

The parcels are provided specifically to international students because most of them do not have bursaries, said SCC secretary general Khotsofala Ramasilo. 

These students did not have time to return to their countries when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the national lockdown to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 at the end of March. 

Speaking on behalf of the international students, Tinotenta Chirara (24), a second-year education student from Harare in Zimbabwe, said they truly appreciate the help they will receive from the SCC. He said they are grateful for the support and generosity of the NWU. 

Chirara said what the university is doing, is more than just a donation because it inspires students to share with those in need without looking at background, race or origin. “I am more than happy to know that I am not alone in a foreign land and that the NWU actually cares about whether I have eaten or not. It means a lot to me as an individual because the university is not obliged to do so and I’ll forever be grateful,” Chirara said. 

Nyasha Mwendera (25), a third-year BA Law student, also from Zimbabwe, said the food parcel project is a good initiative and he really appreciates the gesture. “This makes us feel at home away from home, as we know that NWU will always assist us and ensure the safety and well-being of all international students,” Mwendera said.

The project will help 100 international students.