Organisational matters, Studies and teaching

Many students are financially affected by the coronacrisis. They are no longer able to work part-time – especially in gastronomy – and thus cannot finance their living. Parental support may no longer be available due to the changed economic situation. Moreover, some students might be faced with an extension of their studies due to e-education or might even not be able to successfully finish their degree. There has never been a comparable situation before, so many students need quick and unbureaucratic help.

„With the corona fund, we can ensure that about 50 to 60 students shall overcome the financial challenges in the coming months and successfully continue their studies at our university”, sais Barbknecht. But it is not only the students but also the local economy who profit from the funds. “Parts of the fund will be distributed to the students in the form of vouchers for local businesses so as to support those”, explains Prof. Hans-Ferdinand Schramm, chairman of the board at Sparkasse Mittelsachsen.

Students will be able to apply for support from the new fund as of the coming week at Studentenwerk Freiberg. The respective forms will be available online from Tuesday, May 5. Parts of the amount will be granted to students who are unable to financially support themselves in times of crisis ensuring they can pay expenses such as rent, insurance and basic goods. The Studentenwerk will provide advice for applicants.

VFF acts as patron of the new fund and counts 1,500 members. “We realize that some students face unknown challenges at the time and no help is yet provided on a political level. That is why I am especially happy for this initiative from the university community to help students in need quickly and unbureaucratically“, sais Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Kretzschmar, honorary director of VFF.

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Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Kretzschmar, Phone: +49 3731 39-2559