University of Bradford’s student hardship fund hits £5k mark

THE University of Bradford’s student hardship fund is continuing to rise after raising £5,000 in the first day.

The Covid-19 Hardship Fund Appeal for students, launched on December 3, was a response from the University’s Money Team who saw a 107 per cent increase in applications for its hardship funding from students at the University. One of the first donors was retired Bradford pharmacist Manoj Joshi, pictured, who pledged £500. A Past District Governor of Rotary International, he is an honorary graduate of the University, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and founding Chairman of Bradford Academy. Speaking about his donation, the former Ugandan refugee, who came to the UK in 1972, said: “I made a donation because I know what it’s like to have nothing. It’s so important to support people who are in that situation. It sends a powerful message and I urge others who can to do the same.”

Money raised will be used to support some of the poorest students, many of whom have little or no other means of financial income other than working part time – something many have been unable to do during lockdown.

 Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice Chancellor, University of  Bradford said: “This is an amazing response to our student hardship fund and shows the generosity and kindness of all those who donated. These donations will help some of our poorest students, many of whom have little or no support structures. We appreciate all the contributions which have been made so far and we’d love to get closer to our target. In a ‘normal’ year, evidence overwhelmingly shows, the number one reason students drop out of university is because of financial hardship and debt. As we know, this is not a normal year and some of our students are experiencing severe hardship. With your support, we can keep them in education and allow them to build the future they deserve.”

The money could help a student eat a healthy meal and cover the cost of food, pay for their heating bill or allow them to pay their rent.

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