Full scholarships worth close to a million rand have been awarded to 11 first-year students by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The delighted students, drawn from the IT, Food and Beverage, Hospitality Management, Tourism and Mechanical Engineering Departments, will now have the privilege of concentrating solely on their studies, without worrying about any financial pressures.

Advancement Department Director Calvin Maseko and fundraiser Khumo Sebola have expressed their gratitude to the NYDA for their generosity and say they hope to strengthen the partnership with the agency in the years to come.

NYDA Senior Manager, Innocentia Mphayo says the agency believes that comprehensive support to a young person is critical to help ensure their years of study are as stress-free as possible.

“So many of our talented young people drop-out due to a lack of funding, a situation that is detrimental both to themselves and to our economy. We hope these comprehensive bursaries give these students the boost they so richly deserve, so that they can become successful in the careers of their choice.”

Mphayo is also urging any CPUT students who might need guidance to take advantage of their services. The NYDA have a full service Youth Advisory Centre in Adderley Street where students are welcome to access reliable and up-to-date information to make informed choices about their futures.

Written by Janyce Weintrob

Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Exams have now ended for the 375 learners who participated in CPUT’s Centre for Co-operative Education 2^nd Chance Matric Rewrite Project. A partnership aiming to help matriculants who opt for a second chance to write matric exams, the project is jointly funded by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Education Training and Development Practises SETA. (ETDPSETA)

Through the collaborative efforts of Calvin Maseko, Director of the Advancement Department, Jacqui Scheepers: Acting Director: Centre for CE and WIL (Service-Learning Unit), and Dr Karen dos Reis from the Faculty of Education, CPUT was successfully awarded the tender to tutor the nearly 400 learners to prepare for their finals. Subjects taught include Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and Accounting, but learners were able to rewrite any additional subjects to maximise their chances of tertiary education access.

Some of the educators on the project are CPUT alumni. They are supported by tutors who are final year students and top achievers selected from CPUT’s Faculty of Education. All final exams were written at the CPUT-registered exam centre in Ravensmead. Invigilators from the education sector and the community were provided with training by the project.

Scheepers says that the project has tangible benefits for all involved.

“Our students are given an ideal opportunity for experiential learning and to develop critical leadership skills. Learners get a 2^nd chance to get great marks for their matric. This in turn opens up opportunities for learners to study further and access the job market. Educators and invigilators (especially those who are unemployed) are given the chance to become productive citizens while earning an income. CPUT project staff (Project Managers, Project Administrator, Procurement and Venue Administrator) develop new skills and enhance the image of CPUT through Community Engagement and the development of local and national partnerships. And the sponsors benefit from the additional resources we’ve provided to meet their objectives. It’s truly a win-win situation all round.”

Scheepers adds that future plans include rolling out the project model to universities nationally under the banner of the South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum.

“We’re so looking forward to the release of the learner’s marks in early 2016 – we feel sure that the results will reflect the passion, hard work and dedication that everyone involved in this remarkable project has shown.”

Written by Janyce Weintrob

Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.