Democracy Funding
#OLNDemocracy from networks, action
Changes at "Empowering Economically Vulnerable Students for Educational and Entrepreneurial Success"
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1. Project Overview
We present our project proposal, addressing a critical issue affecting undergraduate students in Nigeria, particularly at the University of Lagos, with a recent 400% tuition fee increase, and in South Africa, notably at the University of Pretoria, which witnessed a 50% registration fee hike over the past year.
Our project, \"Empowering Economically Vulnerable Students for Success,\" provides grants to 20 student entrepreneurs—10 from each country. These students finance their education through on-campus businesses, facing significant financial challenges.
Our primary goal: Prevent these students from dropping out due to recent fee hikes, while nurturing their entrepreneurial ambitions.2. Background Information
Significant changes have recently unfolded in the realm of higher education, impacting students in both Nigeria and South Africa.
University of Lagos, Nigeria
The University of Lagos, a federal institution in Nigeria, has recently implemented a substantial alteration to its mandatory fee structure. These changes, effective as of September 1st, 2023, were made by the University Management in response to the prevailing economic conditions in Nigeria. These financial dynamics were further compounded by the recent decision of the newly elected Federal Government in Nigeria to remove fuel subsidies. Consequently, a 400% tuition increase has been introduced, causing a heavy financial burden upon a multitude of students. Of particular concern are those who rely on small businesses operating within the university campus to finance their education.
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Similarly, in South Africa, the University of Pretoria has witnessed significant changes in its fee structure. Specifically, registration fees for undergraduate students increased by a notable 50% over the past year. These adjustments, while reflective of broader economic forces, underscore the far-reaching impact on students who are striving for educational advancement.Lack of access to affordable and quality education is one of the major barriers to youth participation in democratic processes in Africa, and it is crucial that we adapt and respond effectively to the recent challenges in Nigeria and South Africa. Our project proposal serves as a direct response to these challenges, offering a ray of hope to 20 enterprising students caught amidst the shifting financial tides.
3. Project Goals
Our project centers on three key objectives:
Academic Continuity: Ensure 20 student entrepreneurs and their employees can continue their education without the risk of dropping out due to recent fee hikes.Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Provide financial assistance and offer information on funding opportunities to sustain academic pursuits and empower students to grow their entrepreneurial ventures while studying.
Mentorship and Leadership Development: Collaborate with local experts and Obama Leadership Network volunteers to offer mentorship and training, nurturing students' leadership potential for sustainable enterprises and democratic participation.
4. Alignment with Democracy CoP's Vision, Mission, and Purpose
Our project strongly aligns with Democracy CoP's core ideals:Vision: We contribute to the strengthening of democracy by ensuring affordable access to education, promoting entrepreneurship, and actively engaging in community service.
Mission: Our project facilitates the active participation of historically marginalized student entrepreneurs in democratic processes by providing support for their education and businesses.
Purpose: We actively nurture a culture of equity and inclusion among students, equipping them with knowledge, amplifying their voices, and playing a pivotal role in fostering a more just and equitable world.
5. Project Implementation
We have outlined a clear plan for the effective implementation of our project:
Selection Process: A committee of student representatives and local business experts will choose 20 student entrepreneurs based on financial need and their commitment to education and businesses.
Grant Allocation: Selected students will receive a $150 business grant to overcome financial challenges.
Mentorship and Training: We'll enlist experts from universities and the Obama Leadership Network to enhance students' business skills through mentorship and training.
Funding Opportunities: We'll provide information on funding opportunities from individuals, corporations, and institutions.
Monitoring and Evaluation: A dedicated team will monitor and support students to ensure their success in balancing education and entrepreneurship.
6. Budget
We are seeking $3,333 in funding from the Democracy Circle of Practice, with the allocation as follows:
- Business Grants for 20 Student Entrepreneurs: $3,000
- Mentorship and Training Expenses: $150
- Monitoring and Evaluation: $183
7. Team
Bolaji Kareem - Obama Leader Africa 2023
An architect by profession, founder and project leader of Comrade Nigeria, a civic engagement group.
"]
Thokozile Nhlumayo - Obama Leader Africa 2023
An advocate for social justice, founder of the gid://decidim-development-app/Decidim::Hashtag/2/NotTooYoungToLead movement and the LGBTQI+ Political Leaders Program. -
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1. Project Overview
We present our project proposal, addressing a critical issue affecting undergraduate students in Nigeria, particularly at the University of Lagos, with a recent 400% tuition fee increase, and in South Africa, notably at the University of Pretoria, which witnessed a 50% registration fee hike over the past year.
Our project, \"Empowering Economically Vulnerable Students for Success,\" provides grants to 20 student entrepreneurs—10 from each country. These students finance their education through on-campus businesses, facing significant financial challenges.
Our primary goal: Prevent these students from dropping out due to recent fee hikes, while nurturing their entrepreneurial ambitions.2. Background Information
Significant changes have recently unfolded in the realm of higher education, impacting students in both Nigeria and South Africa.
University of Lagos, Nigeria
The University of Lagos, a federal institution in Nigeria, has recently implemented a substantial alteration to its mandatory fee structure. These changes, effective as of September 1st, 2023, were made by the University Management in response to the prevailing economic conditions in Nigeria. These financial dynamics were further compounded by the recent decision of the newly elected Federal Government in Nigeria to remove fuel subsidies. Consequently, a 400% tuition increase has been introduced, causing a heavy financial burden upon a multitude of students. Of particular concern are those who rely on small businesses operating within the university campus to finance their education.
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Similarly, in South Africa, the University of Pretoria has witnessed significant changes in its fee structure. Specifically, registration fees for undergraduate students increased by a notable 50% over the past year. These adjustments, while reflective of broader economic forces, underscore the far-reaching impact on students who are striving for educational advancement.Lack of access to affordable and quality education is one of the major barriers to youth participation in democratic processes in Africa, and it is crucial that we adapt and respond effectively to the recent challenges in Nigeria and South Africa. Our project proposal serves as a direct response to these challenges, offering a ray of hope to 20 enterprising students caught amidst the shifting financial tides.
3. Project Goals
Our project centers on three key objectives:
Academic Continuity: Ensure 20 student entrepreneurs and their employees can continue their education without the risk of dropping out due to recent fee hikes.Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Provide financial assistance and offer information on funding opportunities to sustain academic pursuits and empower students to grow their entrepreneurial ventures while studying.
Mentorship and Leadership Development: Collaborate with local experts and Obama Leadership Network volunteers to offer mentorship and training, nurturing students' leadership potential for sustainable enterprises and democratic participation.
4. Alignment with Democracy CoP's Vision, Mission, and Purpose
Our project strongly aligns with Democracy CoP's core ideals:Vision: We contribute to the strengthening of democracy by ensuring affordable access to education, promoting entrepreneurship, and actively engaging in community service.
Mission: Our project facilitates the active participation of historically marginalized student entrepreneurs in democratic processes by providing support for their education and businesses.
Purpose: We actively nurture a culture of equity and inclusion among students, equipping them with knowledge, amplifying their voices, and playing a pivotal role in fostering a more just and equitable world.
5. Project Implementation
We have outlined a clear plan for the effective implementation of our project:
Selection Process: A committee of student representatives and local business experts will choose 20 student entrepreneurs based on financial need and their commitment to education and businesses.
Grant Allocation: Selected students will receive a $150 business grant to overcome financial challenges.
Mentorship and Training: We'll enlist experts from universities and the Obama Leadership Network to enhance students' business skills through mentorship and training.
Funding Opportunities: We'll provide information on funding opportunities from individuals, corporations, and institutions.
Monitoring and Evaluation: A dedicated team will monitor and support students to ensure their success in balancing education and entrepreneurship.
6. Budget
We are seeking $3,333 in funding from the Democracy Circle of Practice, with the allocation as follows:
- Business Grants for 20 Student Entrepreneurs: $3,000
- Mentorship and Training Expenses: $150
- Monitoring and Evaluation: $183
7. Team
Bolaji Kareem - Obama Leader Africa 2023
An architect by profession, founder and project leader of Comrade Nigeria, a civic engagement group.
"]
Thokozile Nhlumayo - Obama Leader Africa 2023
An advocate for social justice, founder of the gid://decidim-development-app/Decidim::Hashtag/2/NotTooYoungToLead movement and the LGBTQI+ Political Leaders Program.
