Update on Harrison Update

Thank you, you are all so very generous.

So, here is the update.  I called the university and found out that Masande can only apply for a grant / financial assistance once he has registered.  And he can only register once he has paid a registration fee of R3100 ($450).  (This is more than double Harrison's monthly income. There is just no way he is going to find that kind of money) R630/$90 of this goes towards University admin fees, the rest of it will count towards his first fee installment.  Once he has registered, he can approach the university for financial assistance with his fees (R13,000/$1850 per annum, excluding books).  Registration closes on Saturday.  Classes start on Monday.  It is not guaranteed he will get financial aid, but the very, very helpful and charming man I spoked to from the university (Ayton) said that if Masande's academic results are satisfactory, and he can prove financial need, he should stand a good chance of getting financial assistance. The 'financial need' part is indisputable. As for the other part....

I called Harrison this evening and asked to speak to Masande. I told him that a bunch of people from across the world were willing to help him, but before I went ahead and accepted their gracious offers of help, I needed to know that he was 100% committed to his studies, and that he was willing to work hard and give it his best.  He said he was. 

Unfortunately Paypal STILL hasn't facilitated South African account holders to receive payments.  However my very generous sister-in-law who lives in London has offered to collect the funds of his behalf.  So, if you are willing to help, please send the donation to [email protected]. She will collect the money and forward it to me.  Thank you.

A very kind, very generous, very beautiful blog reader who lives in Hong Kong kindly offered to pay the full registration fee, but I don't want her to do it all on her own.  If others are willing and able to help, then so much the better.  In the meantime, I paid the money across the university tonight out of my account because we don't have much time between now and Saturday for the funds to clear.  If we collect more than is necessary, I will use the money for books etc.

I still intend pursuing options for grants for him, so please keep the suggestions and contacts coming.  I've also got a commitment from Masande that he will go to the grant office at the University and get all the necessary forms, but any and all ideas in terms of corporate sponsorship etc will be appreciated. I've got some great ones already that I will be following up shortly.

Then, as for Nontobeko, I've asked her to send me her exact qualifications and a mini resume.  I really would like to help her find an internship somewhere.  I am sure there MUST be companies out there who are looking for bright young graduates to join them.  I've got a few initial contacts from the earlier post and will pursue all of them as soon as I have all her details. 

Thank you everyone, for your tips, contacts and wonderful generosity. If anyone ever questions the value of blogging, I will point them to the amazing impact you blog readers have had on the lives of people like Rose, Harrison, Masande and Nontobeko. Lives have been changed because of the wonderful sense of community we share.  It makes me feel humble.

 

Comments

[Molly]

Tertia, bless you for all you are doing for this family. I think it's wonderful, I really do.

[Melissia]

Tertia,
Sent 100.00 via paypal. Only 17 more matching donations to go for tuition. I was surprised to discover that tuition costs in South Africa seem to be right in line with my daughter's tuition at the University of Texas. Surprising, considering the exchange rate.
Take care,
Melissia

[MJ]

Tertia

You absolutely have a heart of gold! I love that you can put a call out for harrisons family and the world responds for these young people!

[Suzi]

Tertia -
I just sent some money. Please let me know if your sister got it.

I am a chemical engineer here in the States - its a tough ciricula but well worth it - he'll be employable anywhere in the world.

Best wishes. Wish I could do more.

[Minnie]

Tertia - Thank you for the opportunity to help. My grandfather is a chemical engineer, who put himself through college while working full time to support his family. I am putting myself through school right now, while working full time and I can't imagine how he did it with three kids. (Although his wife, my grandmother was a great help and very, very thrifty.) Anyway, I hope that this helps Masande. The power of education is immeasurable. Also - I will be waiting to find out how we can help Nontobeko as well. Thank you again!

[Penelope]

I only sent a little bit...but I hope it helps.

[BunnyLips]

Tertia - thanks for giving us the opportunity to help, if only a little bit. I hope you get a tremendous response. Harrison and his family sound like wonderful people. I know that Masande and Nontobeko will do great things!

[charne]

Hi Tertia

Bless you for doing this.

How do your SA readers dontate money? could you maybe email me your banking details and I could do a transfer?

thanks

[Sissy]

How do you send money via the states? When I try paypal it says I can only send money for goods or services, not a cash advance.

Can someone please advise.

thx -

[Sissy]

Ok - I picked goods in paypal, hope that works.

[Ingrid]

I am involved with graduate development programmes and will be happy to coach Masande and Nontobeko as they take on these awesome opportunities you're making possible for them. Let me know. I'm in Cape Town too.

cheers
Ingrid

[Ann Johannesburg, South Africa]

Hi
How can we donate in SA?
xx

[Bianca W]

Hey there - if you send me your bank details privatley, I will add a bit.

B

[Lena]

I'm with Charne, Ann and Bianca. Please let us know how we can transfer money to your account.

[SCY]

Tertia, please let us know how us SAFFA's can donate?