Plett learners excited for scholarship chances

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - High school learners from Plett jumped at the opportunity for bursaries and scholarships presented by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School on Tuesday 27 September.

The unemployment rate in Bitou Municipality stood at 17,8% at last count in 2019. In Plettenberg Bay, specifically, the latest figures show that in the first quarter of last year, unemployment was at a whopping 46,3%.

It is believed that this startling figure is due to the inability of young people in the area to further their education, as their families simply cannot afford it.

"Sanral is committed to contributing to the development of the youth of South Africa through investment in education and is offering bursaries in the fields of civil engineering, electronic engineering, procurement and supply chain management, human resources and environmental sciences to disadvantaged learners across the country," Sanral said in a press statement last week.

Excited learners gathered in the Plettenberg Bay Secondary School hall last Tuesday to learn more about the help Sanral was offering to deserving pupils.

"This is an opportunity that learners must grab with both hands," Plett Secondary principal Juan Julies told them, "and we are thankful to Sanral. When we use the N2 going forward, it will have much more significance."

A world of possibilities

Learners were surprised at the world of possibilities a bursary or scholarship could offer. The very thought had Grade 12 learner Cebnia Heuwel smiling from ear to ear.

"This is a huge opportunity. Right now, it seems impossible that my parents will be able to afford tertiary education for me. If I am awarded a bursary, it will be a great financial help for my parents," she said.

Grade 11 learner Sange Ntoni was just as excited. She was confident of meeting the requirements for a scholarship next year.

"My grades are very good - most of them are over 80%. I have two younger siblings and my dad is the only one who works at home. So, this will really help us out financially." Ntoni, whose top subjects are math and science, said she is keen to apply for a bursary next year.

"If I go to a university, I will be only the second person in my large, extended family to have a tertiary qualification," she said.

Plettenberg Bay Secondary School learners packed the hall to attend Sanral's bursary and scholarship information session.