Student handbook
Beneficiary Handbook
Your companion throughout the Mdzini programme — what you receive and what we expect.
Welcome
We support disadvantaged College and University students with housing and mentorship, empowering them to focus on their studies, grow in purpose and give back to the society.
Our vision: A world where every student is housed, empowered and ready to transform their community.
Our promise:
We pay your rent directly to your landlord, treat you with dignity, and support you through mentorship and check-ins.
Our ask:
Focus on your studies, show up for mentorship, communicate openly, and graduate on time.
Your Housing Support
- Monthly rent payment
- Paid directly to your landlord.
- Payment duration
- One academic semester (renewable each semester)
- Not covered
- Utilities, food, transport, deposits, or late fees unless in rent agreement
Your Obligations
| Obligation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Live at registered address | Rent is paid to your landlord based on this address. Changes require approval. |
| Maintain C+ average / GPA 2.5 | Good grades show you are on track to graduate on time. |
| Share transcripts within 14 days | Evidence of your academic progress. |
| Respond to monthly check-ins within 48 hours | Confirms you are housed and doing well. |
| Attend 80% of mentorship sessions | Mentorship turns rent support into lasting life success. |
| Report changes immediately | If your situation improves or worsens, we need to know. |
Mentorship Programme
Minimum attendance required: 80% (6 of 8 sessions). Rent pays for your room; mentorship pays for your future.
Semester 1
- SeptemberOrientation & Goal SettingIn-person
- OctoberFinancial Literacy for StudentsVirtual
- NovemberStudy Skills & Exam PreparationVirtual
- DecemberSemester Wrap & Peer SharingIn-person
Semester 2
- FebruaryCareer Pathways & InternshipsIn-person
- MarchPersonal Branding & Digital PresenceVirtual
- AprilResilience & Managing SetbacksVirtual
- MayGraduation Readiness & Alumni NetworkIn-person
Monthly Check-Ins
A brief 5–10 minute conversation by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp during the last week of each month. You must respond within 48 hours of first contact.
- 1 miss
- Warning
- 2 misses (non-consecutive)
- Written warning; call with M&E Officer
- 3 consecutive misses
- Rent payment suspended until contact re-established
Semester Renewal
Renewal is not automatic. To be considered:
- Maintain C+ average or GPA ≥ 2.5
- Attend ≥80% of mentorship sessions
- Complete monthly check-ins
- Submit semester transcript within 14 days of release
- Submit renewal application when announced