Our commitment to educating future generations

In South Africa unemployment is at an all-time high and school leavers are struggling to pursue studies at higher education institutions due to a lack of finances. For this reason, the contribution from the private sector, in the form of granting scholarships and bursaries, is helping youngsters realize their aspirations of studying further and becoming more employable. Thinking globally, acting locally Education is fundamental to building a successful life, yet too many youngsters miss out on the chance to obtain a qualification from a tertiary institution. When we conducted research in the communities where we operate, we discovered the urgent need for access to education, and made a commitment to offering assistance. In South Africa, we manage 12 wind and solar plants. It is here that we feel that we can best contribute to education, within our 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 higher education institutions to give them the chance of a brighter future. “The bursary program 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 young people were sitting at home after matriculating due to a lack of financial resources. Some were doing seasonal work on the farms surrounding their hometowns,” adds Dlepu. The practical benefits The fund looks at sponsoring fees, accommodation and providing an allowance for a select group of students. So far, approximately 35 students have benefited from the program. The sort of people who are eligible for the bursary include: youngsters who reside within a 50km radius of or within the same district in which our plants are located; families with an income that does not exceed around R350,000 ($24,000) per annum, woman-, child- or pensioner-headed families and school leavers who are qualified to enter an institution of higher learning. We believe the value of the program extends beyond the granting of actual bursaries. Dlepu says, “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.” 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 our focus is on helping the next generation acquire skills that are essential for meeting the opportunities that lie ahead of them. In the future, we plan to encourage our 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.

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Our commitment to educating future generations

Our commitment to educating future generations