Ignition, the key to further education in Alex
ALEXANDRA - Ignition, one of Rays of Hope’s initiatives in Alexandra that seek to financially empower students for tertiary education, held an all-day training seminar for its participants last month.
Ignition, one of charity organisation’s Rays of Hope initiatives in Alexandra that seeks to financially empower pupils for their tertiary education, held an all-day training seminar.
Twelve eager young pupils attended the session, which is part of an ongoing initiative that will set them up for employment once they have concluded their post-school studies.
Sarah van Zyl, Ignition’s project leader, said the seminars were an essential part of a multi-year programme. “Ignition is not a quick-fix exercise. We work with our students for a number of years, ensuring that they are well-equipped to find full-time employment.”
She said Ignition aimed to help Alex matriculants to find employment by providing loans for studying or technical training. The project fills the gap for pupils who do not qualify for scholarships or bursaries and have no access to student loans.
Pupils in their final year at school apply for admission to Ignition in March. They are interviewed and carefully screened to ensure that they satisfy the criteria and display the particular character traits of the ability to persevere and take appropriate action as required by Ignition.
“We can only accommodate a small number at a time and they are with us for a number of years. Participants have to sign a contract which spells out the obligations of both the student and Ignition,” Van Zyl said.
The programme is multi-faceted and coaching starts in matric during which pupils are assisted in selecting the area of study best suited to their skills, interests and aptitudes.
“Ignition does its best to facilitate funding for the student to allow for further study. Once this is in place, we keep abreast of each student’s academic progress. This can last up to five years, as we get deeply involved in their careers.” Apart from the regular seminars which they are required to attend during the year, each pupil is assigned a personal mentor.
“Mentors are a vital part of the programme… they develop a close relationship with the mentee as they meet regularly with them. Ignition has a need for mentors and funding as we start our intake for 2017,” said Van Zyl.
Detail: 086 100 0000 or ignition@raysofhope.co.za
