“This prestigious event, which is being organised to raise funds to enable PSP to extend its support to PROTEC post school students, will be a celebration of the commitment of more than 30 000 learners from disadvantaged communities, who have fulfilled their dreams to become engineers, scientists, doctors, educators and entrepreneurs,” says Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, a national non-profit technological career development initiative. “Through ongoing support from corporates and the sponsorship, donations and proceeds from this golf day, further teaching and mentorship support can be given to young people around the country.
“Statistics show that approximately 60% of students at higher education institutions ‘drop out’ during their first year of study. The transition between school and higher education is difficult - particularly for disadvantaged students. It’s simply not enough to support students financially. For this reason, PROTEC has launched the PSP, which addresses the critical need for holistic support and mentorship, to make sure students don’t get lost in this important stage of their career journey.
“With only 15% of students at South African universities completing their degrees in the prescribed timeframe, PROTEC is determined to continue to provide skills and development training to young South Africans who are not only committed to paving a bright career for themselves, but who also want to make a difference to the future of their country. This support is even more critical now, as we see such worrying disruptions, violence and uncertainty at our universities.”
It is heartening to see how many PROTEC students give back to the programme and become inspirational role models to their junior colleagues by volunteering with tutoring and assistance.
In addition to mentorship and coaching, which is at the foundation of this programme, students around the country also benefit from free access to resource and ICT centres, the use of facilities for studying, ICDL (international computer drivers licence) training, on-going career/study guidance and are made aware of apprenticeships, internships, bursaries and work opportunities.