The coronavirus pandemic has also reached Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and is posing major challenges for students. Many students are no longer able to work their part-time jobs, putting their livelihoods at risk. In this situation, international students in particular are often unable to rely on support from their parents, as many come from regions that are themselves affected by the crisis.
According to the Deutsches Studentenwerk, around 68 per cent of the total 2.8 million students in Germany have a part-time job to help pay for their rent and living costs. Many of these jobs have been lost since the start of the coronavirus crisis. Furthermore, only around twelve per cent of all students receive BAföG. This is why the German Student Union, for example, is calling for further state aid.
However, relying solely on the state is not enough, which is why Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, together with the General Students’ Committee (AStA) and the ‘Friends of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences – Campus Cleve e.V.’, has set up the Covid-19 Relief Fund. This fund is intended to help students at the university who find themselves in financial difficulty. “As an educational institution, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has a special responsibility towards its students,” explains President Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen.
Students can apply via the AStA, without any red tape, for a one-off living allowance of 250 euros. This non-repayable support during the crisis is aimed at students at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences who are in need. Understandably, this fund will not be able to cover all needs, but will merely provide a small measure of support in times of need. “Above all, we want to help those who receive no other support and who normally manage to get by through part-time jobs,” explains AStA Chair Joshua Lehmann, and the university president adds: “Our students should be able to continue or complete their studies despite this crisis.”
The organisers anticipate that the relief fund can be further expanded through contributions from university members, friends and supporters, as well as people in the region. “We would be delighted if as many people as possible responded to the appeal for donations,” says Hans-Josef Kuypers, managing director of the Friends of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences – Cleve Campus e.V. The association’s chairman, Peter Wack, echoes this sentiment with a call for active support: “Please support our students with your donation and send a message of encouragement.”
Donation account of the Friends’ Association of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences – Cleve Campus e.V.:
Sparkasse Kleve
BIC: WELADED1KLE
IBAN: DE17 3245 0000 0030 1876 11
Reference: Corona Relief Fund
