Education teaches the value of hard work, commitment and perseverance according to Sonwabile Witbooi and Fundiswa Magida who have both been awarded the Thelma Henderson Bursary for 2014.
Education teaches the value of hard work, commitment and perseverance according to Sonwabile Witbooi and Fundiswa Magida who have both been awarded the Thelma Henderson Bursary for 2014.
This is the first time the Thelma Henderson Bursary, which is worth R30 000, has been awarded to two people. The Rhodes University Post-Graduate Education (PGCE) students spoke to Grocotts Mail about their gratitude for the bursary.
"It is a very prestigious achievement" said Magida. "I'm really excited that once more I have a chance to achieve my dreams through studying." Witbooi said, "I have always been taught from a young age by my father that education is a necessity in life.
"To recieve this bursary is an honour because it means I can continue furthering my studies." Witbooi had paid for his education through a NSFAS scholarship and adds that the bursary is a relief as it will lessen his debt.
The Thelma Henderson Bursary is administered by Gadra and is awarded to post-graduate students. Henderson was the chairperson of Gadra and Gadra Education for 31 years, and was known for her numerous humanitarian efforts.
Gadra was founded in 1957 as a donations-based philanthropic organisation that incorporated a school feeding scheme, clothing distribution, food parcels, social worker services and education. The educational services are now administered by Gadra Education. In an interview with Grocott's Mail, Ashley Westaway, Manager at Gadra Education, said that the bursary strives to uphold Henderson's legacy.
"The spirit of Thelma Henderson was that of a willingness to engage those problems that affect society and the organisation follows after her footsteps," said Westaway. Magida and Witbooi both matriculated through Gadra. Rhodes University and Gadra collaborate to find the students that are most deserving of the bursary. Westaway said that a key area considered when evaluating is community engagement.
Both Witbooi and Magida have been active participants in community engagement projects at Gadra. They have volunteered on projects such as mentoring and tutoring pupils, and initiating parent-teacher meetings that seek to promote parental involvement in their childrens academic lives. Westaway applauded Magida and Witbooi, emphasising their diligence and willingness to help society.
Witbooi says that self-motivation is the key to achieving a goal in life, while Magida emphasised the importance of hardwork. Both have aspirations to study further and carry lasting legacies. This bursary is a stepping stone to greater things, they said.
