Youth residing in Noupoort, in the Northern Cape, have once again welcomed the bursary application season, which offers tertiary education funding dedicated to the youth of this small town. Launched in May 2018 to give local Noupoort youth access to tertiary education, the programme has already benefitted eight local youth, who are studying at universities and colleges around the country, including two who have already graduated.

The Noupoort Wind Farm Bursary Programme offers learners from Noupoort the opportunity to study at recognised universities and earn accredited bachelor’s degrees and has opened its applications for the 2023 academic year. “With the lack of tertiary education facilities in the small town of Noupoort, students planning on pursuing their education further are often at a disadvantage. Parents often do not have the financial resources to fund the education of their children beyond matric.  Our bursary makes it possible for qualifying learners to receive tertiary education,” said Noupoort Wind Farm Economic Development Manager, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi.

Bursary recipient Luchulumanco-Zwelonke

The bursary fund covers tuition fees, accommodation, books and a monthly living allowance. Furthermore, mentoring support is provided to students to help them deal with the pressures and expectations of tertiary education. One of the beneficiaries, Luchulumanco Zwelonke, is currently pursuing a Diploma in Electrical Engineering at Eastcape Midlands College, in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. “I am grateful to Noupoort Wind Farm for supporting my education and giving me an opportunity to advance myself. If not for the bursary, my family wouldn’t have been able to afford to take me to university,” he said.

BURSARY PROGRAMME OPENS UP MORE OPPORTUNITIES

 The bursary programme has so far successfully funded two graduates, who are working as administrators, one in the renewable energy sector, and the other at the Department of Health. Students within Noupoort, who pass their 2022 Matric examinations and who qualify to study for an undergraduate degree or National Diploma at a recognized University or TVET College, as well as students who are already enrolled full-time at a university or college, are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open and students may apply here: vApplications close on 30 September 2022.