PROTEC has announced the launch of its official alumni network, aimed at connecting alumni worldwide in a far-reaching platform that is enabling graduates to reconnect with classmates, mentors and peers, while also fostering strong relationships, career opportunities and lifelong learning.

Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, says that while the NPO has always had a vibrant contingent of alumni who support the organisation, often through active engagement with PROTEC learners and those embarking on university studies, this network is designed to add greater value to all involved.

Antony Hlungwane, Chairperson of PROTEC

“PROTEC has been building successful STEM careers since 1982 by providing high-quality education and career support programme development in Mathematics, Science, Technology, English, and life skills training. We now have over 40 000 people who have graduated from the PROTEC programme over the decades and are making their mark in multiple scarce skills sectors, many of them in South Africa. All of these PROTEC graduates are potential members of the PROTEC Alumni Network and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

Moodley adds, “Networks are a crucially important part of professional development, and a network of like-minded, hard-working and socially responsible individuals will be a platform for progress.”

The objectives of the PROTEC Alumni Network are to:

• Strengthen alumni ties and community engagement
• Provide exclusive networking opportunities
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, coaching and mentorship
• ⁠Support career advancement and professional development
• Celebrate alumni achievements and successes.

Antony Hlungwane, Chairperson of PROTEC and a PROTEC alumnus from the early 90s, is thrilled with the launch of the new platform. “It embodies the organisation’s commitment to building a strong global community of PROTEC alumni empowered to leverage shared experience and expertise, and drive positive impact in STEM fields.”

Alumni and post-school learners networking on Induction Day at PROTEC Tongaat

Hlungwane spent four years with PROTEC in the early 1990s and says that over and above the education support, they gained life skills in time management and study and career guidance and were taken on trips that showcased the wide range of career options available to them.

Being a member of the PROTEC Board gives Hlungwane an opportunity to shape the path of PROTEC’s future with a sound knowledge and understanding of the organisation and the needs of the learners. He encourages other PROTEC alumni to join this journey, while also enjoying the manifold benefits of the alumni network.

Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC

Join now

PROTEC voices over the years echo the call to past PROTEC beneficiaries to join the PROTEC Alumni Network today and embrace the power of connection, community and opportunity that it offers. Visit www.protec.org.za, register as an alumnus and start building relationships.

The PROTEC Alumni Network pages on the PROTEC website’s features include wide-ranging networking opportunities, a directory, upcoming events, groups, a job board, specially curated webinars for alumni, social media handles for the network, and contact information of the Alumni Network communications department.

Food for thought

“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” Michele Jennae, author of The Connect Worker

About PROTEC:

PROTEC is a national, independent, non-profit organisation that provides holistic, high-quality education and career support programme development in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Technology, English, and World of Work life skills training. It started in Soweto in 1982 and since then over 40 000 learners have completed the Learner Excellence programme and many teachers have benefited from our teacher support programme in the programme’s feeder schools. PROTEC’s work can be evaluated against our vision to be a leading service provider within the STEM education sectors, building the technologically skilled human resource pool in South Africa and promoting lifelong learning.

PROTEC’s mission: PROTEC is committed to developing the Maths and Science competence of young people to succeed in STEM careers through interventions with learners, students and educators. Our focus is on improved learner performance, enhanced teaching quality, and increased career access and success.