??YOUTH MONTH
This Youth Month, we're celebrating students who are driving positive change on campus, in their communities and beyond. Through their leadership, compassion and commitment, they are helping to build a better future for South Africa. These profiles highlight the impact and energy of a new generation of changemakers at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU).
When Brandall Swartz applied to university, he had no roadmap – only determination and a borrowed computer from the public library. As a first-generation student from Atlantis on the West Coast, the process was exhausting, marked by hours of online research, daily phone calls to institutions, and countless questions. Now, as a second-year student in international studies at SU, he's making sure others don't have to walk that road alone.
Swartz is the founder of UniDreams Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping matriculants from underserved communities apply to tertiary institutions. “I assist with applications for bursaries and accommodation as well," he explains. His goal is to make higher education more accessible by removing the barriers of confusion, isolation and lack of information that so many first-generation students face.
“Being a first-generation student, I had no guidance or assistance navigating the application process," he recalls. “I remember how mentally tiring it was. All my efforts eventually paid off, but I vowed to make the process a lot easier for someone else."
Creating pathways, one application at a time
Since its launch, the UniDreams Foundation has already assisted multiple students, offering personalised support and step-by-step guidance through the application maze. Beyond assistance with administration, Swartz also strives to instil confidence and show students that tertiary education is a possibility, no matter their background.
“To have at least one prospective student find the application process easier, especially if they're first-generation, makes it worth it," he says.
Swartz believes most schools already hold many of the tools to support students – computer labs, internet access and infrastructure – but lack the coordination and support to use them effectively. In future he hopes to bridge this gap by partnering with tertiary institutions, including SU's own recruitment office, and working directly with schools.
“The most difficult part is the large number of applicants and learners who ask for help. It is challenging, but not impossible to get to everybody. If there are other students or individuals out there who are looking for volunteering opportunities, I would be very grateful for assistance!" he remarks with a big smile.
Serving with purpose
Swartz's commitment to social upliftment extends beyond UniDreams. He is the Recruitment and Social Media Manager of Rotaract Stellenbosch, a youth-led Rotary-affiliated club focused on leadership, development and service. In this role, he ensures that recruitment is inclusive and aligned with the values of “service above self".
He also serves as a brand ambassador for the South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI), an organisation dedicated to put a stop to gender-based violence through faith-based advocacy. It's a role that calls for promoting safer and more inclusive communities, something Swartz takes to heart.
But it is the individual success stories that fuel his sense of purpose. “The most rewarding part so far has been the gratitude expressed by parents," he notes. “I can only imagine the relief they must feel after stressing so much to ensure their children receive assistance with their applications, especially since many of these parents have never applied to universities themselves."
Swartz attributes much of his inspiration to Joy Petersen, Residence Head of Nerina and co-founder of the 中国体育彩票's SOAR programme for first-generation students. “Her love for first-generation student development inspired me and made me realise that this organisation can be a success if I nurture my passion to help others."
Education for all
At the heart of Swartz's work lies a strong conviction: that access to education must be matched by access to the tools and information that make that education possible. “What's the use of education for all if the resources to gain this education is not available to all?" he asks.
His mission is not driven by personal recognition. “I'm not doing this for me, for fame or recognition," he emphasises. “Someone out there will get an opportunity to study, may even be the first in their family to do so, all because of the little work I put into my organisation now."
His advice to other students who want to make a difference is simple: “If you identify a problem, start with the solution. It doesn't matter how small or how big, a positive impact in one person's life is more than enough."
Swartz may still be at the early stages of his own academic career, but the legacy he is building is already opening doors for others to follow.
· Contact Swartz by email if you want to know more about UniDreams: 28054156@sun.ac.za or UniDreams.foundation@outlook.com
PHOTO: Stefan Els
GRAPHIC: Geola Bergman
