BURSARY PROJECT

Vukukhanye launched a Tertiary Education Bursary Project at Chesterville Secondary School on the 22nd of August 2008. Two Grade 12 candidates were selected and their tertiary studies were sponsored from 2009.

The initiation of the bursary project was motivated by the following:
- In South Africa, only 1 in 12 learners that start school matriculate
- Only 1 in 4 matriculants go on to university
- Only 1 in 4 of those who go to university complete their degree
- International research shows that without substantial numbers of university-trained professionals a country cannot advance
- 2007 Grade 12 pass rate at Chesterville Secondary School was 47%
- The long history of association between Vukukhanye and Chesterville Secondary School

The aim of the project is to contribute towards the ability of disadvantaged individuals from Chesterville to achieve tertiary educational qualifications.

Partnership with SUNCOAST from June 2009 made significant expansion of the bursary project possible. SUNCOAST committed to sponsor 8 new bursaries in 2009: two junior primary (Grade 1), two senior primary (grade 5), two high school (Grade 8), and two tertiary (selected from Grade 12) bursaries. All bursaries include mentorship and are renewable annually (based on performance). The bursary funds, managed by Vukukhanye, cover school/tuition fees and other education related expenses such as uniforms, stationery, text books, extra lessons and school outings.

Thirteen bursary candidates are currently receiving support; with nine graduates to date e.g. a civil engineer, 2 nurses, bilogical scientist (BSc) and a BCom Graduates, Welding and Fabrication and Post Graduate Certificate in Education.