Letter: Most valuable years

Nathan Ernest Ince (formerly of Tongaat) writes from Kazakhstan: 

I remember the day I was selected to be a part of the PROTEC Post School program.

I was so relieved that finally I had means to additional tuition at an affordable cost. It was always my dream to become a mechanical engineer and growing up in a home where we struggled to make ends meet – made my dream seem like a long shot.

It was thanks to PROTEC that I received tuition every Saturday for mathematics, science and technology.

I was blessed to be a part of an amazing group of people, hungry to learn and grow.

I am grateful for the generosity of the teachers who volunteered their time and energy, to invest in the lives of young students who could not afford additional tuition.

PROTEC put me on the path to obtaining the results I needed to be considered for a full bursary to study in University (tertiary studies which I never would’ve been able to afford).

In 2008, I was awarded a full Bursary to study at UKZN Howard College and completed my degree in mechanical engineering in 2013.

My career path has been nothing but fruitful, by using the tools and skills I learned at PROTEC in application to my professional development as a mechanical engineer.

I am currently the regional manager of a leak sealing company based in Kazakhstan.

I would like to thank PROTEC, the teachers, the volunteers, and everyone who plays a part in keeping this program going.

You have helped so many students by giving us opportunities which would never be possible in current circumstances.

Thank you greatly, your sacrifice and investment into our lives will be honoured and paid forward.

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