Unisa is now launching a campaign called the Unisa Virtual Race so that the University and it’s students can keep defining tomorrow. This is being done to raise funds to purchase laptops and data for students who do not have devices to participate in online learning.
The event will run from 2 November 2020 until 31 December 2020.
About 150 000 Unisa students need devices so that they can study and write exams and the University is now looking to gather R500 million to help these students.
In a first of its kind, Unisa hopes to bring together its students, alumni, donors, staff members and their families to participate in the virtual race to help raise third stream income to enable the university to purchase learning devices for students.
The pandemic has put a spotlight on the inequalities which exist within Higher Education. The Department of Higher Education instituted a multi-modal teaching plan with a lot of the work being done online. Students are also expected to submit assignments online as well as write exams.
However, it was found that after all learning institutions were closed, there were still many students across the country who did not have access to devices to access learning and could no longer use on-campus resources as they usually would. A plan to provide students with laptops and data therefore had to be put in place.
Unisa has said, “The need for student support within the parameters of the university’s unique and transforming environment, continues to grow against the background of financial challenges faced by these students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many of them find themselves being far-removed from the university. Students are unable to continue effectively with their studies. This could contribute to high rates of drop-outs and stop-outs.”
This virtual run is therefore an initiative driven by Unisa so that students can be provided with the digital resources they need. The need for Unisa students to have devices and data is even bigger now that the University has declared that all future exams will be done online.
You can choose to do your distance through running, walking, cycling and even gymming in your own time. Your participation will help to raise the funds needed. Another great thing about this initiative is that the venue is anywhere you like. It can be the street, park, forest, on a track or treadmill. You can choose to participate alone or with family, colleagues and friends. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please remember to practice social distancing when participating in races.
How does it work?
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Register online here
Choose one of the races
Complete the distance
You will then receive a virtual certificate once you finish
This campaign is Unisa’s way of taking a step towards a shift to Open, Distance and ultimately an e-Learning environment. At R65 per person per entry, it is a small price to pay to help keep someone’s future on track.
Unisa brings education to around 400 000 students both in South Africa and around the world. They are the largest Open Distance eLearning institution in Africa and the oldest distance education university in the world which educates almost 35% of university students in South Africa and contributes an estimated 60 000 graduates into the South African labour force.
You are free to share your virtual race photos with us and by posting on the various social media platforms. Remember to use the hashtag #UnisaVirtualRace. Feel free to e-mail your enquiries to [email protected]
Unisa is launching a Unisa Virtual Race to keep defining tomorrow. This is to raise funds to purchase laptops for students who do not have the devices.2 November – 30 December 2020! Read more: https://t.co/ttGfJZ6rD6#UnisaVirtualRace pic.twitter.com/kN1KGveRrl
— Unisa (@unisa) November 2, 2020
The more you understand yourself, the more silence there is, the healthier you are. —Maxime Lagacé
