Access to bursary funding for tertiary education to girls and women, in the greater Kouga area, not only promotes gender equality but also helps to addresses broader issues related to economic development and community well-being.
In a stride towards catalysing socio-economic development, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Scarce Skills Bursary Programme is enhancing access to tertiary education, with notably, an impressive 80% of the beneficiaries being women, as reported in the year-end report, 2023.
Among the success stories is Amaarah Basadien, from the Eastern Cape, who commenced her studies in 2020 and is set to graduate with an Actuarial Science Degree from the University of Cape Town at the end of this year. Possessing a keen intellect, the capacity for big dreams, and the determination to achieve significant accomplishments, she embarked on her academic journey amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This unexpected circumstance necessitated a swift adjustment to an unconventional and challenging study environment.
This transition to online learning, amid the global pandemic, showcased her remarkable adaptability and commitment. Balancing virtual classes, assignments, exams, and personal responsibilities, she swiftly found her rhythm, benefiting greatly from the flexibility that nocturnal study sessions offered.
āThe support from Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s bursary was instrumental during this period, not only financially but also in providing mentorship and additional resources to facilitate her education under such unprecedented conditions,” Basadien shared.
Her ambitions extend beyond academic achievements and professional aspirations. Amaarah is deeply invested in environmental conservation and harbours a strong desire to support the educational pursuits of others in the future.
“My inclination towards altruism and environmental stewardship is driven by a desire to contribute positively to society and the planet. The opportunity to assist future students, in the same way Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm has supported me, is a goal I hold dear,” Basadienexpressed.
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities, particularly for women, plays a crucial role in driving social and economic progress within the local community. āEducation is a powerful tool for economic empowerment and bysupporting girls and women in our communities we are able not only provide access tertiary education, but to invest in their future economic potential. The impact includes increased income-earning opportunities, improved job prospects, and the ability to break the cycle of poverty. Ā It is ultimately an investment in the individualsā future and our society as a whole,ā added Nonini Makhothe, Economic Developmet Specialist for Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
The success of beneficiaries like Amaarah Basadien highlights the transformative impact of the Scarce Skills Bursary Programme, not only in empowering individuals but also in promoting sustainable development and community well-being.
Note:
The Globeleq Scholarship Fundās Scarce Skills fund aims to develop skills that will benefit and help develop the Eastern Cape Province by improving the pool of skilled youth in the fields ofeducation, agriculture and nursing.
It benefits black youth (100%) and predominantly female beneficiaries, covering tuition fees, travel and accommodation costs, book allowances and even a stipend, and is open to ambitious locals in the communities of Hankey, Patensie, Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp.
