Dell South Africa aims to develop literate and connected communities, bridging the gap between the “haves” and the “haves-not”. Providing quality education is one way in which they strive to do this.
A percentage of every rand spent by a Dell customer goes to the Dell Development Fund (DDF). Over the past few years the DDF has engaged in bursary programmes with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), University of Venda, and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). This year again, the DDF will be providing more academically deserving students the opportunity to have a tertiary education at these universities.
One such worthy student, Kim Kelly De Wet, was very excited to receive a Dell bursary for her studies towards a BCom degree at the University of the Western Cape. Kim says, “Being able to further my education at university brings me immense joy as it takes me a step closer to realising my dreams of pursuing a career within the finance industry”.
The degree will aid Kim both on a personal and professional level. “My goal is to challenge the youth’s perception about finance in general and to also set an example that all things are possible through sheer hard work and determination”. Born in a single-parent home, Kim believes that the bursary has alleviated her mother’s stress in terms of worrying about how she would pay for her university tuition.
According to Natasha Reuben, Head of Transformation, Dell South Africa Development Fund, “As a team, we pride ourselves on focusing on real transformation within the communities we call home and are proud to be involved with these initiatives. We will continue to work to ensure these programs deliver real value and benefits, contributing to sustainable development and economic transformation in South Africa.”
In addition to providing their tuition fees, the DDF supplies the students with a Dell laptop, campus residential fees and funds for their course work. “We strive to cater for their needs during the course of their tertiary education, so that they can concentrate their energies at excelling academically,” concludes Reuben.