Creating Stars NPC

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VISION

To Solve Food Insecurity amongst Tertiary Students

BlackBark Productions has been recognising talent for the past 14 years through the programmes Rising Star, GradStar and Schools Star.

It is with the strength of this network that the Creating Stars Movement for Good was born and with the call that is our responsibility to ensure that the next

generation has the opportunity to thrive. 

HOW?

GradStar, the sister programme of Rising Star, annually recognising South Africa’s most employable tertiary students plays a key part here. From the 2024 Top500 cohort, we have teams of volunteers at the following universities:

  • Eduvos
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • North West University
  • Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • UNISA
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Free State
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Witwatersrand

These volunteers have been tasked with liaising with the SRCs to identify the students most in need and also to approach the student coffee shops and eateries on residence and on campus and invite them to be part of this Pay It Forward Programme. At this stage, we have a number of confirmed partners. In addition, we are in advanced talks with institution councillors for formal endorsement.

TECH SOLUTION

The GradStar App, already in existence with over 30,000 student profiles is being expanded to incorporate this gifting scheme. Registering students on the app will be asked to provide proof of income and after verification will be able to post requests. The app also features an in built payment system that links to the eateries directly so they will receive immediate payment on the validation of the voucher through the app.

The donor will also be requested to register on the app and will be able to check student requests and profiles and select a student to support, or alternatively just select a student most in need. Donors will receive push notifications once the meal voucher has been redeemed and will have the option to connect with the learner and follow their progress, possibly leading to a future mentorship or employment relationship. Donors can also choose to remain anonymous. The app already features a social wall function and request fulfilment will be publicised here, with donor consent.

This tech based approach ensure all donations are 100% trackable and can be monitored and evaluated at every step. Trends can also be identified as to when meals are most in demand and therefore solutions can be constantly tailored to accommodate need.

WHEN?

The goal is to complete the development build and launch this initiative into the learning institutions at the beginning of the new academic year, February 2025.

HOW CAN I HELP?

  1.  Become an ambassador and assist us in promoting this programme to your networks.
  2. We are looking for volunteer advisors who can stand as part of the leadership of this initiative and assist with guiding strategy.
  3. We are looking for those who can share their business skills to enhance this initiative: developers, analysts, marketers, PR, lawyers and more. Please do register as a partner supporter and allow us the opportunity to reach out and call on you.