RE: iSimangaliso Tertiary Education Support Programme
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority has been implementing the Tertiary Education Access Programme since 2010. The programme provides academic support to the youth from neighbouring communities to access tertiary education in the fields of study related to conservation, tourism and development.
This Programme is one of the key programmes that enables iSimangaliso to change the prevalent narrative about our District, uMkhanyakude. We want to ensure youth of the area is trained and equipped with the necessary skills in conservation and tourism related fields.
Since its inception in 2010, the programme has supported 194 youth from local communities to access tertiary education and provided psycho-social support to students to ensure they pass. 168 beneficiaries have graduated more than 60% of them are employed; 25% being employed by iSimangaliso.
This programme offers a package of support for first year students to assist them to adapt to Tertiary life smoothly. Variety of workshops and trainings are organised for students eg, financial management, time management and how to deal with peer pressure. Beneficiaries of the support programme receive stipends, data allowances, laptops and on their final year they are assisted with obtaining their driver’s licence. During cause of the year students participate on the Work base experience, where they are exposed to the field of work they are studying for. This gives the beneficiaries knowledge and exposure of the course they have enrolled for and understand it more.
Annually iSimangaliso recruits interested learners to apply to be absorbed into this programme. Applications open on the day of the realise of the final matric results. Students who meet the following criteria can apply:
- Students must apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and have confirmation that they have been awarded the NSFAS Bursary for year of study.
- Students must be registered for a course in Conservation, Tourism or Development related programme, finance, Supply Chain, Business, Infrastructure, Law, Engineering (not limited to).
- The student is a South African citizen who is a verifiable member of either; the Land Claimants Communities of iSimangaliso Wetland Park or a resident of the Umkhanyakude District Municipality within areas that are close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Mfolozi Local Municipality particularly the Sokhulu area.
iSimangaliso visits the above-mentioned Universities during orientation week for exhibitions and recruitment. If the student is interested in the program but has missed iSimangaliso on campus they must visit iSimangaliso website and download the application form.