Missing Middle students receive bursaries
AUCKLAND PARK – Two students were awarded with full bursaries to continue their studies at the University of Johannesburg's School of Tourism and Hospitality.
Flight Centre Travel Group made history by partnering with the University of Johannesburg (UJ’s) School of Tourism and Hospitality for Missing Middle students. The travel group is the first to partner with a university in South Africa.
Trishia Tshandu and Neo Malema were selected and offered full bursaries, beginning from next year, to continue their studies in tourism and hospitality. The event took place on 21 November and the Flight Centre Travel Group lecture room was officially launched.
The university’s tourism and hospitality marketing manager Tebogo Sebambo, said the Missing Middle students refer to students who don’t qualify for government support, but are deemed too poor to afford tuition fees. It’s also in response to the #FeesMustFall protests. Currently 5 000 academically deserving students at UJ are classified as part of the Missing Middle.
UJ School of Tourism and Hospitality second-year student Tshandu, said that she was initially contacted by the school and was immediately interested in pursuing the opportunity.
“I already have a student loan I’m paying off and thought it would be a great opportunity to get my school fees sponsored and get extra support. It feels so exciting to be chosen but scary at the same time. I plan to make use of this opportunity and work harder,” said Tshandu.
Flight Centre Travel Group’s managing director, Andrew Stark addressed the audience and highlighted the significance of the day. This was the first time the company sponsored a lecture faculty to assist students.
“We need young people to see the tourism and hospitality industry as a career that can be very successful where you can own your own company. I feel tourism is also an opportunity and education is the key to receiving a good grounding through being persistent. My advice to the students is to find a company they want to see themselves working for, where they can build their career,” said Stark.
Trishia Tshandu, a second-year tourism student and Neo Malema, a first-year tourism student, were selected, following an interview process.
