INISA Student Grant 2023

The “Initiative Southern Africa” (INISA) offers a grant for students from Universities and other tertiary education institutions in countries of the SADC region (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and invites applications.

The INISA Student Grant 2023 / Deadline: Sunday, 30 July 2023

The INISA grant covers 75% of tuition fees and related costs (e.g. books and other study material; residence fees etc.) for the academic year of 2023 up to a maximum amount of Euro 3000 (or the equivalent in local currency).

The applicant (m/f/d) should

- hold the nationality of one of the SADC countries;

- study full time at a University or other tertiary education institution in one of the SADC countries;

- be in the second or third year of his or her undergraduate studies, i.e. s/he has successfully completed at least one year of studies and has successfully re-registered for further courses in the next academic year. Please note: the INISA Student Grant is not applicable to postgraduate studies such as Honours, Masters or PhD programs.

The grant is open to students of all subjects, but particularly we encourage applications by science, engineering, economics and medical students. Should the grant be awarded to more than one student the maximum amount will be split equally. INISA requires the student to provide proof of tuition related expenses with a fees account record, as the grant amount covers a percentage of these expenses and needs to be calculated on that basis before any payment is possible. The grant will be paid directly into the stu-dent’s fees account at the University. INISA requires the student to provide two reports on the progress of his/her studies in the year s/he is awarded the grant.

INISA-Stipendienbrief - Berlin, im Dezember 2022

Liebe Freundinnen und Freunde des südlichen Afrika,

der Angriff Russlands auf die Ukraine hat nicht nur bei uns Gewissheiten erschüttert und zu wirtschaftlichen Problemen geführt. Die Folgen des Krieges sind auch in Afrika unmittelbar zu spüren und machen die langsame Erholung der afrikanischen Länder von der Covid-19 Pandemie zunichte. Namibia importierte bislang rund 60% seines Weizens aus Russland und der Ukraine, Tansania sogar 70%. Verknappungen infolge des Krieges führen zu Preissteigerungen. Hinzu kommen steigende Preise für Düngermittel, die ebenfalls bislang häufig aus Russland importiert wurden. Vor allem Kleinbauern sind gezwungen, ihre Produktion zu reduzieren, da die benötigten Düngemittel teurer werden als das Getreide, das sie verkaufen.

Nahrungsmittel und Energiekosten (einschl. Brennstoffe) machen in den meisten afrikanischen Ländern mehr als ein Drittel des Verbraucherpreisindexes aus. Nach Studien der Global Crisis Response Group der Vereinten Nationen und dem VN-Entwicklungsprogramm UNDP sind die Preise für Lebensmittel selbst im vergleichsweise wohlhabenden Botswana um mehr als 7% gestiegen – ebenso in den deutlich ärmeren Ländern Lesotho und Madagaskar; in Mosambik sogar um mehr als 12%. Allein die gestiegenen Preise für Weizen und Mais führen z.B. in Südafrika zu durchschnittlichen Mehrausgaben aller Haushalte von über 3%. Hinzu kommen Preissteigerungen für Energie und Transport. Davon sind ärmere Menschen besonders betroffen, da sie oft längere Wege zu Arbeitsstätten oder Dienstleistungen zurücklegen müssen. Das Geld fehlt an anderer Stelle – zum Vergleich: rund 5% des Haushaltseinkommens werden in ärmeren Familien für Gesundheit ausgegeben.

Dennoch könnte der Russland-Ukrainekrieg auch Chancen für das südliche Afrika eröffnen. Kürzlich besuchte Wirtschaftsminister Robert Habeck Namibia und Südafrika, um für gemeinsame Investitionen in alternative Energieerzeugung zu werben. Länder des globalen Südens könnten Europa mit „grüner Energie“ zu versorgen und sich damit neue Einkommensquellen erschließen. Hier liegen Potentiale, die der lokalen Bevölkerung zu Gute kommen sollten, denn es fehlt vor allem an qualifizierten Jobs und einem sicheren regelmäßigem Einkommen. Trotz einer leichten Verbesserung nach dem Covid-Jahr 2021 liegt die Arbeitslosigkeit in Südafrika immer noch bei rund 33 Prozent, bei den 15- bis 24-Jährigen haben 60 Prozent keinen Job. Davon sind besonders ungelernte Arbeiter betroffen. Unter diesen Bedingungen ist ein Studium eine Mühe, die viele junge Menschen des südlichen Afrikas mit Freude auf sich nehmen, weil es der einzige Weg ist, Armut und Perspektivlosigkeit zu entkommen. Denn die Universitäten des südlichen Afrikas vermitteln Qualifikationen und ermöglichen die Verwirklichung von Lebensträumen.

Unser Stipendienprogramm ist in dieser Situation ein Hoffnungszeichen. Jedes Jahr bewerben sich auf unsere Ausschreibung vielseitig interessierte und engagierte junge Frauen und Männer, die oft auf beeindruckende Weise soziale Not, erschütternde familiäre Umstände und Benachteiligungen aller Art überwinden, um zu studieren und damit ihrem Traum eines selbstbestimmten Lebens in Afrika näher zu kommen. Wir erleben Studierende, die lernen wollen, neugierig sind und sich in vielfältiger Weise engagieren. Für uns ist es jede Kraftanstrengung wert, dies so gut wie möglich zu unterstützen. Wir haben uns bei der INISA daher entschieden, in diesem Jahr erneut vier Stipendien zu vergeben. Wir bauen weiter darauf und sind optimistisch, dass Sie ebenso wie wir in jeder einzelnen Studentin und jedem einzelnen Studenten ein Hoffnungszeichen für das gesamte südliche Afrika sehen und uns auch weiter bei unserer Arbeit unterstützen.

Dear INISA Bursars

It is an honour to be chosen for the INISA Student Grant for the 2021 academic year.

I completed my 2nd year of studies towards a Bachelor of Social Work qualification at the University of Cape Town successfully in 2021. My goal is to become a clinical social worker.

Due to the current Covid-19 epidemic, remote learning has no doubt presented many challenges for students and higher education. The many challenges this has presented to me personally include restricted access to university due to regulations, access to Wi-Fi, and escalating data costs. Remote learning requires discipline as a student and as student social workers we formed study groups to ensure that not one of us is left behind. Field practice was also challenging as I needed to follow Covid-19 regulations and yet connect to clients through personal protective equipment. I knew that to succeed academically amid an epidemic, I would need to maintain good mental health practices. Social work is a profession that involves human connection and so this has been the most challenging aspect to deal with during the last few months. However, I have been so encouraged by the hope, overwhelming support, and encouragement I have received from lecturers, placement agencies, and fellow peers. Though the academic year has been challenging, I remind myself that this too shall pass and that even though life as we know it may have changed, hope in the goodness of humanity remains.

I am honoured to be selected for the 2021 INISA Student Grant and I would like to express my gratitude for your continued support to students who need it most. This is going to have a massive impact on my family's life. I have prepared a letter explaining my academic experience during 2021 and how I have been handling everything since the beginning of the year.

I am a Quantitative Risk Management student studying at the North-West University Vaal Triangle campus. My academics have been largely affected by Covid and the effects it had on the economy. We transitioned over to online learning which was a new experience for everyone, from depending on the video and consulting with lectures over emails or Zoom calls was a new experience that posed some new problems I never thought I would ever face.

Depending heavily on an online platform for means to access your education in a country where electricity is not always reliable is a huge problem. I have had the power go out while in a class or during an online test. The several levels of lockdowns imposed by the government also lead to our academic calendar being delayed which meant everything was moving at a fast pace when we opened again. Furthermore, I use an unreliable phone which has a battery life of 5 minutes, this made things extremely difficult when wanting to speak to classmates or lectures.

Dear INISA,

my name is Georgina Morson, currently in my second year at the University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of nursing pursuing Bachelor of Science in nursing and midwifery. My 2019/2020 academic year had been so challenging to me. The one who sponsored my first year retired from office so he could not fund me anymore. I was very scared that my future has ended, but since the college is only strict with fees issues as we are about to start examinations I had hope that I will still learn for some days before they chase me. Thanks to INISA you have lighted my way by covering my 2020 academic year I will be forever grateful. Your help has come in good time when I needed it most.

 Dear members and supporters of INISA

Firstly, I would love to extend my gratitude for being selected as one of the recipients of the 2020 student grant. This will really help my family settle the school debt I have, so that I can continue my studies in 2021. This year has been extremely stressful and demanding, but despite its difficulties I can gladly say that I learned a lot about myself

Liebe Freundinnen und Freunde des südlichen Afrika, 

mit dem INISA Stipendium 2020 wollen wir Georgina, Joseph, Timilehin und Wayne helfen, auf ihrem Weg weiter zu gehen und einen Beitrag zur Zukunft des südlichen Afrikas zu leisten.

Für Ihre bisherige Unterstützung möchten wir uns auch im Namen unserer Stipendiaten herzlich bedanken und Sie für die Weiterführung des Stipendiums um großzügige Hilfe bitten. Wir möchten auch im kommenden Jahr Studierende im südlichen Afrika unterstützen, denen persönlicher Erfolg und gesellschaftliches Engagement gleichermaßen wichtig sind. Bitte unterstützen Sie uns dabei, denn unsere Stipendiaten sind auf Ihre Hilfe angewiesen. Dabei können Sie sich darauf verlassen, dass Ihre Spende zu 100 Prozent dem Studium der Stipendiaten zugutekommt, da die INISA vollständig ehrenamtlich arbeitet.

Initiative Südliches Afrika IBAN: DE05 2135 2240 0000 0074 36 SWIFT-BIC: NOLADE21HOL (Sparkasse Holstein, Kontonummer 7436, BLZ 213 522 40) 

Spenden sind steuerlich absetzbar, Spendenquittungen werden ausgestellt. 

https://inisa.de/stipendiatenbrief-2020

The INISA grant covers 75% of tuition fees and related costs (e.g. books and other study material; residence fees etc.) for the academic year of 2019 up to a maximum amount of Euro 3000 (or the equivalent in local currency). Closing date for applications is Saturday, 4 May 2019

WHO CAN APPLY? 

At the time, I had no form of financial support, but I never let it hinder me from grasping the chance to better my family’s economic position and community at large. Having grown up in a financially unstable home, I was expected to limit my dreaming capacity and cage my plans due to circumstance. Starting a new independent life, in a new province, new school, and new environment with no financial assistance let alone the idea or thought of ever receiving assistance was terrifying I must say, all I did have was faith and determination that I was going to get through this year and that I am going to get my degree in 3 years’ time.

I proceeded with my year and studies with all the other students as if everything was alright, as if I was not receiving mails reminding me of overdue balances that kept the deadline dates in highlighted in dark red bold writing. Fear would strike here and there, thoughts of getting kicked out would torment me on the daily but I would overcome that fear with more applications and faith. Until the 18th of September when all hope was lost, when deadlines had passed, when I was getting myself packed up and ready to leave. That was when I was first in contact with Dr Sabine Blumstein receiving an email from the INISA Student grant subjected STUDENT GRANT – INTERVIEW.

My heart was pounding with joy, I felt a sudden relief like could clearly see the future again. My initial thought of shock was that this was a joke or a prank, I could not believe my eyes until I went through with the interview and was amazingly one of the 3 grand grant holders. Words can never describe the huge impact this assistance had in my life, I had reached rock bottom. I had started losing all hope and was on the verge of packing up and heading home with shattered dreams. Receiving the email on the 16th of September was life changing!! It felt like the 2nd chance life had given me.

Words cannot begin to describe my gratitude and utter appreciation towards INISA. I Am- and will forever be grateful for the INISA STUDENT GRANT, would never regret applying there.

Jetzt Stipendiatenbrief lesen...

Without INISA willing to support,students such as myself would be unable to pursue medical school.

Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and a ccademic challenges, but has also helped me realize the value of collage education. Your scholarship will help me earn credentialsin medical school,which requires special training and coursework .My passion for medicine is matched only by love for social health problems,my decision to study medical school comes from the heart.

Without a doubt this grant will will pray a key role in achieving my educational dreams. Because of your generosity, the financial burden placed on me to pursue my education will be reduced. That mean I can spend more time on my studies extra curricular activities and less time worrying about my finances.

Once again, thank you for the vote of confidence and INISA. I am commuted to my education and to the health care field and one step closer to becoming a doctor.Thanks to your continued generosity and INISA STUDENT GRANT 2017. Sincerely

Lily George

Die diesjährigen INISA Stipendiaten heißen Nontumekelelo Magwa und Elphas Toringep. Beide studieren an der University of Cape Town. Wir wollen Nontumekelelo und Elphas helfen, auf ihrem Weg weiter zu gehen und einen Beitrag zur Zukunft des südlichen Afrikas zu leisten. Diese Unterstützung ist dringend nötig: Studiengebühren von etwa 25.000 Rand im Studienjahr bilden für viele talentierte junge Afrikanerinnen und Afrikaner eine kaum überwindbare Hürde.