Away from the “fees must fall protest”, Peermont has quietly being funding students for full bursaries for tertiary education for the past 14 years.
This January, 13 candidates were awarded the prestigious bursary from the Peermont Education Trust (PET).
The lucky recipients have been registered to study a wide variety of courses including actuarial science, mechanical engineering, business management and law.
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 judges.
“I have a burning desire to study physics and want to increase the contribution of African physicists and improve South Africa’s economy,” said winning candidate Nomzaza Mpumelelo, from Vosloorus.
In addition to having their tuition and accommodation costs paid, these fortunate students will receive workshops and psychological support to sustain them through the academic year.
“Over the years we have found that we are able to increase our graduation rate by offering learners additional support throughout the year,” said Jenny Findlay, Peermont Education Trust manager.
“We do not just leave them to their own devices and to date the PET has an 86 per cent graduation rate.
“This is exceptional considering that the learners are from township schools.”