NORTHERN CAPE LEARNERS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Local Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from Kathu, Olifantshoek, Dibeng, Siyathemba and Mapoteng, in the Northern Cape, have the opportunity to apply for a region specific scholarship. The programme is being promoted through community high schools in these areas, where learners are being encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

“These High School learners have limited opportunities to access scholarships, so REISA Scholarship Fund, which specifically targets learners in these beneficiary towns, means they don’t need to compete against learners from other provinces,” explained Sizile Mabaso, Chief Community Operations Officer of REISA.

The REISA Scholarship Fund, which launched two years ago, aims to provide tertiary education funding for youth living within a 50km radius of the solar facility. The focus is to contribute towards human resource development in fields considered critical for the South African economy. Study fields include Teaching, Engineering, Natural and Social Sciences, Environment and Nursing.

Learners from local high schools have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, (one being Tanwyn Wagenaar, who is fulfilling his dreams at University of Free State). The REISA Scholarship Fund paid his complete tuition fees, which alleviated the financial burden, previously fulfilled by Tanwyn’s parents. They are now in a much better position to support Tanwyn’s siblings with their Primary and Secondary education. The scholarship has provided for Tanwyn’s study fees and private campus accommodation, which has allowed him to become more focused on his studies. During 2016, Tanwyn passed his final examination with distinctions, and as a reward for his hard work, the university repaid him the tuition fees for all the distinctions and allocated the funds towards his study material.

Learners in these communities have access to other bursary opportunities; however the REISA Scholarship Fund is unique in the sense that it is more accessible. Local representatives conduct roadshows at all local High Schools before the Scholarship application closing date. The aim of the roadshow is to educate Grade 11 & 12 learners and their parents about the Scholarship Fund and assist them with completing the forms. The marketing roadshow aims to inspire learners to focus on their studies and future and encourages parents to support the learners with their academic careers.

The programme, promoted through the high schools, to study for a qualification with a minimum of three years, offers Full or Partial Scholarships. Schools include Gamagara High School, Kathu High School and Langberg High School.

Learners can obtain application forms at REISA’s Local Community Office or alternatively directly from their schools.