LENDING HELPING HANDS TO THOSE IN NEED, FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Initiated fundraisers A group of Delhi University students has less privileged peers to help with fees, study material for their
Delhi University (DU) has been conducting online classes for over a year-anda-half now, but a host of challenges continue to persist, in terms of internet connectivity, the lack of digital resources and in some cases, funds to fulfil financial requirements. Recognising such difficulties, students from St Stephen’s College, Hindu College and Shri Ram College of Commerce, among others, have initiated fundraising campaigns to donate laptops, smartphones and study material to their less privileged friends, and also to help with college and hostel fees.
“The pandemic has revealed how uncertain people’s lives are, and how the costs of thriving in online campus are disproportionately more for some. Therefore, students of St Stephen’s College have organised a fundraising campaign to empower them,” says Saumya Seth, a final-year Maths (Hons) student of the varsity.
Prospective beneficiaries are required to fill an online form, and documents such as income certificate and college ID cards are verified. The devices are either couriered to the beneficiaries through e-marketing sites, or funds required are transferred to their bank accounts.
“The system is very transparent, and there is satisfaction in knowing that I can fulfil requests of those affected,” says Shania Matthew, a third-year English (Hons) student at St Stephen’s College, who contributed to the initiative.
With DU admissions inching closer, students aim to organise such campaigns on a larger scale, in order to aid aspirants with online admissions and entrance exams.
“My friends and I have collected money to transfer to my batch mates who are battling financial problems at home, or have lost their parents and loved ones due to the pandemic. They will buy books, course material and laptops with the money. Even with the phased reopening of the university, online classes might continue in blended mode, so we wanted to help our friends out,” shares Pranshu Choudhary, a student of Ramjas College.
My friends and I have collected money for my batch mates who lost their loved ones. PRANSHU CHOUDHARY, Student, Ramjas College