Away from the #FeesMustFall protest, Peermont has quietly been funding students for full bursaries for tertiary education for the past 14 years.
A total of 13 lucky candidates have been awarded the prestigious bursary from the Peermont Education Trust (PET) this year and have 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 applicants and had to make it through a stringent selection process, as well as a nerve-wracking interview with a panel of judges.
In addition to having their tuition and accommodation costs paid, these fortunate students attend workshops and receive 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 students additional support throughout the year.
“We do not just leave them to their own devices,” said trust manager Jenny Findlay.
“To this end the trust has an 86 per cent graduation rate.
“This is exceptional considering that the students are from township schools.”
Among the “Class of 2016” who received scholarships is Kgomotso Dibetso, a former Germiston High School pupil.
The youngster, who lives in Katlehong, has been studying law at Wits and, thanks to the trust, can go into her third year without any financial concerns.
For Kgomotso and her fellow bursars the Peermont Education Trust scholarship offers an opportunity of a lifetime, not only to improve their prospects, but that of their families, as they all come from the previously disadvantaged areas of Ekurhuleni with many from vulnerable backgrounds.
This was highlighted by one of this year’s bursars, Katlego Dipholo, who commented at the induction of the students at Emperors Palace on Monday, January 25, “Despite the circumstances that I have overcome, namely not having a stable family structure, moving from one foster home to another, abuse, and dire financial and nutritional needs, I still maintained a good track record.”
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