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Duduza – School is Cool NPC in partnership with Pusha Panda and Jobe Brands hosted the School Is Cool Application Drive on May 3. The initiative aimed to offer matric learners educational opportunities, information and bursaries.
In addition, the learners were assisted with college and university applications to make their route easier due to having access to resources.
The initiative’s application facilitator, Noluthando Mndebele, said many children do not have access to resources and data.
“Many struggle to meet university requirements; the purpose is to help them get into colleges by applying for them.
“We calculate their APS score, evaluate the programmes they qualify for and ensure that their documents are in order before uploading them onto the further education and training system,” she said.
Mndebele added that many children cannot afford application fees, so their duty is to help them apply to institutions that do not require the fee.
“This helps the learners access information and multiple learning options. The main aim is to make education fashionable and exciting,” added Mndebele.
The expo was a resounding success and lived up to its name by introducing learners to school. The aim was to impact learners by exposing them to career professionals and information.
The event also had a panel of guest speakers who shared their experiences, advice and requirements of their chosen field.
Among the speakers was Nosipho Monaledi, a professional nurse who recently completed her postgraduate diploma in HIV and Aids management.
She provided a motivational talk, highlighting her experiences and reassuring them that their background and challenges will not have an impact on how their lives unfold.
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“I grew up in the township, but I managed to work my way up until this point. We are making school cool again. I matriculated at MOM Sebone Secondary School. Sharing my experiences is another way of making everyone realise that where you come from does not define where you are going.
“I have been on obstacles myself, but they have helped shape me into the person I am today,” explained Monaledi.
First National Bank was one of the stakeholders present at the event. They explained their student services to the learners, such as student loans.
They explained the application requirements and processes of applying for a student loan. The branch controller from Springs Mall local market, Mothibedi Moaludi, mentioned that they enjoy supporting student-based events.
“We love to empower young people as this is an impactful way to support our future leaders, IT or computer specialists in the making. As a bank, we offer student loans, we help learners navigate their lives,” he said.
The bank highlighted and educated on a number of aspects to consider. They educated on financial management and touched on the importance of having wills.
“It is important to educate these children about the importance of having wills for them to educate their parents as well. Many parents pass away and often leave their children feeling stuck or overburdened,” he explained.
Moaludi also emphasised the importance of saving, saying this does not mean you need to have a lot of money.
“One can become financially stable through a healthy savings plan,” he added.
He shared his own experiences, explaining that he grew up in the township and gained insightful and opportunistic information from career expos. He cited that the School is Cool initiative is needed in the township.
“These initiatives bring children tactical skills, knowledge and information to the children living in the township and equip them towards attacking life in a meaningful way,” he concluded.
Pertunia Sithole, who is the project manager at Gauteng City College, also shared their opportunities, information and the courses they offer.
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