WHAT IS SAFE?

* The growth of SAFE

* How do SAFE schemes work?

* Why Sub-Saharan Africa?

* Our constitution 

Founded in the 1980's SAFE was originally an anti-apartheid movement campaigning for equal access to education in South Africa. Student contributions were used to fund bursaries for South African students to attend Cambridge University. Although South Africa's economy is developing well, the legacy of neglect of schools in deprived areas lives. Even now in the new democratic South Africa, limited educational resources prevent the development and full participation of some ethnic groups, which is why SAFE continues to support initiatives in the country.

In the 1990's, the scheme was expanded to support a variety of organisations promoting education in the sub-Saharan region as a whole (please follow the link on the left for further information on the region). Although a global issue, the problem of access to education is particularly desperate in Southern Africa. CUSAFE believes that the focus on Southern Africa is justified by the fact that concentrated funds can be used more effectively.

Student committees in every college vote on how the college SAFE rep is to be used, and this is an excellent opportunity for students to get involved in development work. SAFE funds are administered through established NGO's as far as possible to allow maximum accountability to the fast turn-over of students in the University, projects cannot be properly monitored by SAFE committees but the close links forged with organisations supported by SAFE enable regular feedback to students.  

The success of SAFE over the past few years is borne out by achievements of the organisation it supports. Thanks to the continued support, CamFed and Link Community Development have been able to expand their work considerably. Their work is well respected, and has recognised and supported by prestigious funding bodies such as the National Lottery Charities Board and Comic Relief. SAFE support, however it is still vital to the continuation of their work - please read more about organisations that SAFE works with.

There are now schemes in 16 Cambridge colleges, with student contributions exceeding £70,000. There are no administrative costs involved, which means that every penny contributed by students is used for educational projects. CUSFE is grateful to the bursars and college authorities who administer the scheme so efficiently. It is due to their support that SAFE is so successful in the University and hence that real change can be effected in Southern Africa.
 
CUSAFE plays a vital role in co-ordinating the college schemes across the University. CUSAFE organises events to raise awareness of issues concerning Southern Africa and works to sustain, improve and expand SAFE at Cambridge. If you would like to get involved, either as a SAFE rep in your College or on the University committee, CUSAFE, please email info@cusafe.org.