Education, Dec. 11, 2024, 10:17 a.m.

Students supported by the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation achieve amazing success

Author: Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF)

The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation supported a total of 209 rural-origin health science students last year of which 194 (93%) passed all their subjects, whilst 11 failed one subject that they have been allowed to carry (progression rate of 98%).

Five students failed of which three have been excluded, one has withdrawn, and one will be given a second chance. Just over 300 distinctions were earned!

26 students completed their degrees and have all gone into employment – the first step to them lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. Of the 26 new graduates, 85% (22) completed in the minimum time, with one needing one additional year, two needing two additional years, and one student needing three additional years. This is a remarkable achievement as all, but two, of the new graduates attended non-fee-paying rural schools! One medical student completed her degree Cum Laude! Total graduate numbers now stand at 620.

The need to provide rural youth opportunities is still critical in light of the increasing numbers of youth Neither in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). We are currently R2 million short of supporting 200 students this year, and appeal to Companies, Trusts, and Foundations to consider supporting our rural students to obtain an education that leads to employment, allowing them to lift their families out of poverty whilst serving their communities with their new skills.
The total cost per student is R54 000, which provides top-up financial support to their National Student Financial Aid (NSFAS) bursary as well as the critical academic and social mentoring support, enabling them to overcome their challenges and succeed.

The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation started in 1999 as a way of addressing staff shortages at rural hospitals in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. To date, the Foundation has produced 619 graduates, 54% of which are young women, and 245 are doctors, the majority of which have had an impact in addressing staff shortages at their local rural hospital, and in some cases, graduates have started new services or extended existing services. The Foundation started with the support of 4 students and currently supports around rural 200 students annually, and partners with 15 rural district hospitals.

Further information can be obtained from Dr Gavin MacGregor, the Director of the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation. His contact details are:

Cell: 0722 636 440

Email: gavin@umthomboyouth.org.za

Website: www.umthomboyouth.org