In South Africa, where unemployment is at an all-time high and school-leavers are struggling to pursue studies at tertiary institutions due to a lack of finances, the contribution from the private sector, in the form of granting bursaries, is helping the youth realise their aspirations of studying further and becoming more employable. One example of this is the Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP RSA) Bursary Programme.

Education is fundamental to building a successful life, yet too many youths miss out on being able to obtain a qualification from a tertiary institution. When EGP RSA conducted research in the communities it operates in, the company discovered the urgent need for access to education, and made a commitment to offering assistance.

Globally, Enel Green Power generates electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal energy, hydropower, solar energy and wind power. In South Africa, it manages 12 wind and solar plants. It is here that the company feels it can best contribute to education … within its host communities.

“Young people being unable to further their studies due to financial constraints is the biggest social challenge of our time,” says Lizeka Dlepu, Head of Sustainability at EGP RSA. “Our aim, therefore, is to provide deserving students with funds to attend tertiary education institutions to give them the chance of a brighter future.

“The bursary programme took root when we conducted a community needs assessment and asset mapping study. During the focus group discussion, we discovered that a lot of talented youth were sitting at home after matriculating due to a lack of financial resources. Some were working as seasonal workers on the farms surrounding their hometowns,” adds Dlepu.

The fund looks at sponsoring fees, accommodation and providing an allowance for a select group of students. So far, approximately 35 students have benefitted from the bursary programme. The criteria for eligibility for the bursary include:

• Youths who reside within a 50km radius of or within the same district in which the EGP RSA plants are located
• Families with an income that does not exceed R350 000 per annum
• Woman-, child- or pensioner-headed families
• School-leavers who qualify to enter an institution of higher learning

EGP RSA believes the value of the bursary programme extends beyond the granting of actual bursaries. Dlepu says, “We believe it will help increase the number of educated people who can then act as role models within their communities. It also aids in decreasing South Africa’s skills gap and makes young people more employable.”

The company asserts that education is key in creating a viable future for humanity and is the most effective weapon in eradicating poverty. It is for this reason that EGP RSA’s focus is on helping the next generation acquire skills that are essential for meeting the opportunities that lie ahead of them.

“To us, sustainability means value-creation, which is developed by using a model that integrates economic, environmental, social and governance goals into our business plan, thereby creating long-term value for all stakeholders, including our host communities,” says Dlepu.

In the future, EGP RSA plans to encourage its prior beneficiaries to contribute to a monthly fund to pay it forward to fellow members of the community. Until then, eligible students are encouraged to apply to the bursary fund and begin the journey of obtaining the necessary qualifications to pursue a worthwhile career.