Introduction
Student suicides in South African universities have been on the rise in recent years, with many cases attributed to the lack of mental health support services and funding cuts on campuses. According to a study conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the majority of students who die by suicide are between the ages of 18 and 25, with financial stress, academic pressure, and social isolation identified as common contributing factors. The impact of funding cuts on student mental health cannot be understated, as it often leads to limited access to counseling services, lack of academic resources, and increased stress levels among students. Social media can be a powerful tool in addressing student suicides in varsities due to funding issues by raising awareness, advocating for increased support services, and holding government officials accountable. To explore the role of social media in addressing student suicides in varsities, this essay will first discuss the research showing the effectiveness of social media campaigns in raising awareness and driving change. Next, it will outline a specific campaign hashtag (#SaveOurStudents) and its goals in addressing the issue of student suicides in South African universities. The essay will then explore the target audience, message spread, and product creation strategies used to promote the campaign and engage stakeholders. Finally, it will conclude by emphasizing the importance of using social media as a tool to address student suicides in varsities due to funding issues.
Research on the Use of Social Media in Addressing Student Suicides in Varsities
Research has shown that social media can be a powerful tool in addressing student suicides in varsities. Various student organizations, mental health advocacy groups, and concerned individuals have used social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to raise awareness about the issue, share information and resources, and mobilize support for change. These online campaigns have been successful in reaching a wide audience, engaging stakeholders, and driving conversations around the mental health challenges faced by students in higher education.
Campaign Hashtag and Goals
The campaign hashtag #SaveOurStudents aims to raise awareness about the issue of student suicides in South African varsities, specifically focusing on the impact of funding cuts on students' mental health. The main goals of the campaign include advocating for increased support services for students, better mental health resources on campuses, and holding government officials accountable for the consequences of their actions on students' well-being.
By using the hashtag #SaveOurStudents, the campaign seeks to create a sense of urgency, solidarity, and action around the issue of student suicides in varsities. The hashtag serves as a rallying cry for students, parents, educators, government officials, mental health professionals, and the general public to come together, raise their voices, and demand change.
Target Audience
The target audience for the #SaveOurStudents campaign includes students, parents, educators, government officials, mental health professionals, and the general public who are stakeholders or members of civil society concerned about the well-being of students in higher education. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, the campaign aims to build momentum, generate support, and drive action around the issue of student suicides in varsities.
Spreading the Message
To spread the message of the #SaveOurStudents campaign on social media, engaging and informative posts, graphics, and videos will be created to highlight the stories of students affected by funding cuts and the lack of mental health support on campuses. Collaboration with student organizations, mental health advocacy groups, and influencers will be key in amplifying the message to a wider audience. Traditional media outlets such as campus news outlets and campus radios will also be utilized to reach a broader audience and generate attention for the campaign.
Creating the Product
A visual poster has been created for the #SaveOurStudents campaign, combining powerful visuals, statistics on student suicides, personal stories of students affected by funding cuts, and calls to action for viewers to support the campaign. The poster aims to highlight the urgency of the issue, the human impact of funding cuts on students' mental health, and the need for immediate intervention to prevent further tragedies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media can be a powerful tool in addressing student suicides in varsities due to funding issues by raising awareness, advocating for increased support services, and holding government officials accountable. The #SaveOurStudents campaign aims to raise awareness about the issue of student suicides in South African universities, specifically focusing on the impact of funding cuts on students' mental health. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, spreading a compelling message, and utilizing creative products, the campaign seeks to drive change, support students, and prevent further tragedies. It is imperative that we continue to use social media as a tool to address this critical issue and create a safer, more supportive environment for students in higher education.
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A research by Mbele(2023) states that according Nsfas's Ezaga app a cellphone was meant to make it easier for students to access study funds but has rather causee headaches to some who have lost thousands of rands. For example a student from Soweto by the name of Elise Manganye revealed that she lost R21 000 after she it was deposited by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme into her Ezaga App account. The money was supposed to cover her books, accomodation and food. The student than tried to call nsfas and was told that they cannot do anything as they do not know how she lost the money which made varsity experience hard to her. ActionSA at the University of the Free State also issued a statement rejecting the implementation of Ezaga as they felt that Nsfas was already a problem on it's own. The statement revealed eZaga had been introduced to our campuses not so long ago but already proven to be problematic in its rollout and implementation. The majority of students have not been onboarded or verified by the system which will inevitably cause delays in the dismemberment of their funds. This caused major mental health for students thus also affecting their academic lives.
According to a study conducted by Mbele (2023), the introduction of Nsfas's Ezaga app, which was meant to make it easier for students to access study funds, has instead caused headaches for some students, leading to significant financial losses. For example, a student from Soweto named Elise Manganye reported losing R21 000 deposited by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme into her Ezaga App account. This money was intended to cover her books, accommodation, and food expenses. When she contacted Nsfas for assistance, she was informed that they could not help as they were unaware of how she lost the money. This experience made her university journey challenging and stressful.
In response to these issues, ActionSA at the University of the Free State issued a statement expressing their rejection of the implementation of the Ezaga app, citing concerns about the existing problems with Nsfas. The statement highlighted that Ezaga had been introduced to campuses recently but had already proven to be problematic in its rollout and implementation. Many students had not been onboarded or verified by the system, leading to delays in the disbursement of their funds. These financial difficulties have had a significant impact on students' mental health, affecting their overall well-being and academic performance.
These challenges further underscore the importance of addressing funding issues in South African universities and the urgent need for increased support services to safeguard students' mental health and well-being. By utilizing social media platforms effectively, such as through the #SaveOurStudents campaign, stakeholders can continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and support students affected by funding cuts in higher education. By working together and demanding accountability, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all students in South African universities.