Bursaries set to empower our youth
T WAS a dream come true for seven young KwaZuluNatalians who are about to build their futures through study without having to worry about the costs.
They fought off stiff competition to walk away with full bursaries in the POST Bursary Competition 2017, in conjunction with Berea Technical College and the Centre for Fine Arts, Animation & Design (CFAD).
Entries had come in thick and fast for the competition, for which applicants had to motivate why they should win, and also share their views on the importance of education.
Said Nickyle Moodley of KwaDukuza (Stanger), who will be studying mechanical engineering at Berea Tech: “A good education helps us all be independent in society as well as get over the problem of poverty. The higher your education attainment is, the better your chances of creating opportunities for yourself.”
Zama Nelly Khumalo (electrical engineering, Berea Tech), of Northdale, wrote: “I see education as the big brother that will pick you up when you have fallen and help you continue with your journey till you come to a destiny that promises a life of less hardship, a healthy lifestyle, a better standard of living and education also gives people the hope that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.”
Sheldon Munsamy (travel and tourism, Berea Tech) liked Nelson Mandela’s quote that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.
“Education has contributed to the boost in economy whereby citizens are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to earn a better salary, have more spending power and lead a better quality of life. Education has positively contributed towards advancement in the different sectors such as engineering, medical, teaching fields and has led to rapid development in infrastructure etc. I believe that an educated society is an empowered, democratic society.”
Amandosi Ceaser Cele of Newlands West, who will be studying public management at Berea Tech, said: “Education helps reduce poverty by preparing individuals to contribute productively in the work environment. Education makes people aware and responsible so it also helps their country to grow higher and higher. Education is the main key or hope for people
POST, to actively contribute to the fullest of their potential.”
Nikkita Rajgopaul of Chatsworth said she wanted to study journalism or travel and tourism at Berea Tech. “My dream is to go study to become someone in life as I’m tired of the poverty. I want to study to improve my quality of life, improve my values and skills, as well as set a trend for my little sister to follow and help other people and children wherever I can.”
Keenan Naidu of Chatsworth, who is keen to start multimedia studies at CFAD, recalled his school motto from junior primary: “Knowledge is power”.
“The worldly knowledge you gain from education plays a great role in your future life and helps you understand the happenings in your life,” he said. “Education reduces poverty and employment in society. Education helps one gain the ability to make decisions in life. Education gives you the knowledge to secure one’s future for retirement.
“Education, most of all, gives one independence to leave home and reduce the stress of one’s parents.”
Mohammed Mahdee Ismail (animation and cartooning, CFAD), said his study field is a rare one but he had the talent to pursue it.
“With knowledge given to me through the form of artwork, I believe I can change the lives of others by expressing the true meaning of life,” Ismail, of Verulam, said, “because one picture can paint a thousand words.”