In a testament to the commitment towards enhancing education standards, members of DeSTE and CEDU were invited by Asset Mapping: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty (CN2300) led by Prof. Ramodungoane  Tabane (School Director: Educational Studies) to participate in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) annual University Readiness workshop, Principals Forum, and Matric Bursary Award Ceremony held at the elegant Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni on the  24th and 25th of January 2024. This was a 10-year celebration of awarding the bursaries in the Built Environment. Thus, this gathering not only celebrated achievements, but also provided a platform for reflection and collaboration among educational leaders.

The University Readiness session featured Prof Tabane’s address to prospective students on mental health, depression, and adjustments they would need to embrace as they embark on their new journey into tertiary education. Prof Tabane's insights laid a solid foundation for the learners, equipping them with essential knowledge to navigate the challenges that often accompany this transformative phase of their lives.

The Principals Forum featured Ms. Carmen-Joy Abrahams, the DPWI Deputy Director-General for Professional Services, who set the scene of the forum where principals from various schools shared their experiences spanning the years 2021-2023. Discussions ranged from innovative approaches in 2023 to successes, lessons learnt, and areas of improvement for 2024. Keynote speakers included members of CN2300 Dr Deliwe Khumalo (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology of Education) as well as Prof Awelani Mudau (Chair of the Department for Science & Technology Education) and Ms Mahlako Chuene (Junior lecturer in the Department of Science & Technology Education) who are also members of CN4900. The forum featured insightful presentations by Prof Mudau on "Towards Improved Education Delivery Standards for Highly Competitive Learners" and Ms Chuene on "Effective Teaching and Learning Methods incorporating the Internet of Things." The conversations were vibrant and informative, and participants actively contributed to the discussions throughout the presentations while Dr. Khumalo presented on "Multiple Intelligence: A Must-Have for Teaching and Learning.

The second day witnessed the grand bursary award ceremony, addressed by Hon. Minister Sihle Zikalala. Professor Mpine Makoe attended the function and received a warm welcome by the deputy minister of DPWI Ms Bernice Swarts who shared gratitude to CEDU, Unisa as a key stakeholder.

The highlight of the ceremony was the award presentation to deserving learners. Notably, four learners from Gumani Technical High School (adopted by CN4900), received prestigious bursaries. The awarded learners, Magumo Mbangeni, Nevhuthanda Kharendwe, Mudau Pfano, and Singo Tshifiwa, displayed exceptional dedication to their studies. Despite achieving an impressive 96.8% pass rate, the school's principal expressed a degree of dissatisfaction with the 45% bachelor pass rate, falling short of their initial target. However, he acknowledged the support received from Unisa Engaged Scholarship projects and DPWI members, who consistently provided counselling, motivational talks, and information on study opportunities.

The principal emphasized the school's participation in mathematics and science olympiads as a crucial factor contributing to the learners' success, also that the success achieved by Gumani Technical High School was a collective effort, a testament to the collaborative spirit of all stakeholders involved. The event not only recognised achievements, but also underscored the importance of continued collaboration for the betterment of education, breaking the cycle of poverty. 

By Mahlako Chuene, Junior Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology Education