Over the past four years the education department in South Africa has tried almost everything to get matriculants to go to tertiary institutions. According to the Western Cape education department, two out of five school leavers go to university and FET colleges.
First year welding student at Northlink College, Cheree Kleinsmith (23) explained the challenges she faces at tertiary. “Finance is one of the most difficult things I face. It’s not easy getting funding.”
Welding is a predominantly male choice of study; being the only female in her class she faces stereotypical comments on a daily basis. However she chooses not take in any of the things the male students say.” I choose to study welding because I wanted to bring a point across. Ladies can do a better job. The money is good. “
Kleinsmith’s day start with a half an hour theory lesson and then they spend about four to six hours working on their practical components. This is not her first time studying. She studies boiler making and has a certificate. “I wanted to take it a step higher in empowering myself. “
In Bellville South there are shocking statistics when it comes to high school scholars. More and more drop out. Stay at home and fall into the trap of drug abuse, crime and gang related activities.
Christopher Mars, Cape Peninsula University of Technology graduate didn’t look at his circumstances. “You can’t blame your parents or where you live and say you can’t study. Stand up and break the cycle.”
No comments:
Post a Comment