13 students given chance to shine
It was lucky number 13 for the 13 recipients of the prestigious scholarship from the Peermont Education Trust (PET).
The scholarships were handed over during an annual induction ceremony, welcoming the young students to the scholarship.
The final recipients were selected from hundreds of applications and had to make it through a stringent selection process, as well as an interview with a panel of five judges.
In addition to having their R120 000 tuition and accommodation costs paid, the students will also receive a laptop, a stipend to sustain them for the academic year and a support programme that many view as priceless.
“Today, it is not possible to excel at university without having the necessary technical and academic assistance,” said the Trust Manager, Ms Jenny Findlay.
“These students are from disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot even afford taxi fare to go and register at an institution of their choice. Everything needs to be provided to ensure they have a chance of succeeding and are at least on an equal footing with their peers,” said Ms Findlay.
Throughout 2015, the PET will also provide additional support in the form of mentorship, which will ensure the students cope academically and emotionally.
“In this way, their hopes and dreams can be achieved,” Ms Findlay.
Brian Motloung, one of the candidates and a first year student at the University of the Witwatersrand said, “No one at home is working, but I want to improve my life by becoming an aeronautical engineer.”
Another candidate, who was disabled though a car accident at the age of 13, believes the PET bursary will provide the perfect stepping stone for her to show the world what she has to offer despite her disability.
“I have learnt that I can do anything I set my mind to; this scholarship will give me the opportunity to prove myself,” said Valencia Valashiye, a first year student.
Mr Vusi Zwane, the group corporate affairs executive for Peermont Global, left the ambitious young crowd with a few words of wisdom.
“I have heard you speak of helping your communities today, but I want you to use this opportunity to help yourselves first. In 2015 you must become your most pressing priority, and when you are successful, only then you can embody the spirit of Ubuntu and assist your immediate family and community. This is how we build a prosperous nation, one success story at a time.”
