Stars are destinations, not skylines, say PET inductees
Peermont continues to assist young South Africans to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.
It was lucky number 13 for the 13 fortunate recipients of the prestigious scholarships from the Peermont Education Trust (PET), at the recent annual induction ceremony.
The final recipients were selected from hundreds of applications and had to make it through a stringent selection process, as well as a nerve-wracking interview with a panel of five judges.
In addition to having their R120 000 tuition and accommodation costs paid, these fortunate students will also receive a laptop, a stipend to sustain them for the academic year and a support programme that many view as priceless.
“Today, it is not possible to excel at university without having the necessary technical and academic assistance,” said trust manager Jenny Findlay.
“These students are from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot even afford taxi fare to go to register at an institution of their choice.
“Everything needs to be provided to ensure that they have a chance of succeeding and are at least on an equal footing with their peers.”
Throughout 2015, PET will also provide additional support in the form of mentorship, which will ensure that the students cope academically and emotionally.
“In this way their hopes and dreams can be achieved,” said Findlay.
Brian Motloung, one of the candidates and a first year student at the University of the Witwatersrand, said: “No one at home is working, but I want to improve my life by becoming an aeronautical engineer.”
Another successful candidate, who was disabled though a car accident at the age of 13, Valencia Valashiye, believes the PET bursary will provide the perfect stepping stone for her to show the world what she has to offer, despite her frailty.
“I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to; this scholarship will give me the opportunity to prove myself,” she said.
After listening to many students relate inspirational tales of using the PET Scholarship for community upliftment, Vusi Zwane, group corporate affairs executive Peermont Global, left the ambitious young crowd with a few words of wisdom.
“I have heard you speak of helping your communities, but I want you to use this opportunity to help yourselves first,” he said.
“In 2015 you must become your most pressing priority and when you are successful, only then, you can embody the spirit of Ubuntu and assist your immediate family and community.
“This is how we build a prosperous nation: one success story at a time.” – @IschkeBoksburg
