For days, if not weeks, a shattered screen was the only thing standing between a desperate student and a miracle he didn’t know had already happened.
Western Cape, South Africa (05 January 2026) – There’s nothing like a broken phone when life is at its most busy and demanding to leave you feeling hopelessly out of reach.
A University of Western Cape student recently experienced this unwelcome inconvenience shortly after he had sent an appeal to the UWC Fairy Godmother charity, asking for financial assistance with transport fare to get to work over the festive season.
With no access to his phone, as his LCD screen had broken, he wasn’t aware that his cry for help had already been answered by three kind hearts. He had been hiking to get to work, and it was only when he went to check his bank statement that he discovered money had been paid into his account.
In addition to buying a bus ticket for two weeks, he prioritised fixing his phone so that he could get in touch with the UWC Fairy Godmother and thank the funders who brought a wave of relief during a very tough time.
“I just want to say thank you for making my Christmas stress lighter. I did not know about the money as my phone broke,” he said in a text message.
He shared a photo of himself at work in a restaurant kitchen and mentioned that he also used the remaining money to buy food, as he had very little, and would be alone on Christmas.
“I am entirely grateful, as this was so unexpected. Thank you for the help, and thank the donors too. I don’t know what to say cos I have been miserable and sad. Thank you for what you’ve done.”
The young man, who, despite having had a less-than-festive holiday season, appreciated having reliable transportation to get to work and a repaired phone – things he would have had to go much longer without, had it not been for the kindness of others.
The UWC Fairy Godmother thanked all three funders who made this possible and helped a young man feel a little less alone, burdened and disconnected at a time he needed compassion the most.
Sources: UWC Fairy Godmother
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