The Monyetla Bursary Project, established as a Public Benefit Organisation, has been a beacon of hope for matriculants across South Africa since its inception in 2007. By offering comprehensive support and resources, this initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty through education. Conducted on Saturdays and during the Winter Holidays at the University of the Free State (UFS) South Campus, the project has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of learners, helping them secure bursaries and achieve academic excellence.
The Mission of Monyetla Bursary Project
Monyetla Bursary Project’s primary mission is to assist matriculants in achieving quality academic results and securing bursaries for tertiary education. By doing so, the project aims to help families break free from the cycle of poverty, empowering young individuals to pursue higher education and, ultimately, better career opportunities.
Winter School and Saturday Classes
The Winter School, conducted during the June holidays, attracts matriculants from various provinces, including the North West, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. In 2019, deaf matriculants from Bartimea School participated, integrating into the mainstream classes with the help of sign language interpreters for subjects like Mathematics, Accounting, English, and Computer Applications Technology (CAT).
Saturday Classes
Every Saturday, matriculants receive notes and tuition from Master Teachers, a team comprising Chief Markers, Subject Advisors, Curriculum Education Specialists, and Deputy Chief Markers. Subjects offered include:
- Mathematics
- Technical Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Technical Science
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- English Home Language
- English First Additional Language
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
Achievements and Impact
The Monyetla Bursary Project has consistently produced outstanding results, with learners often surpassing provincial averages. For instance, in 2018, matriculants from Botshabelo who attended the program achieved a 100% pass rate, with an 87% Bachelor Pass rate. In most subjects, Monyetla Project learners scored 10% higher than the Free State average, with particularly impressive results in Life Sciences, Geography, and Mathematics.
In 2019, the program saw an increase in registrations, with 1,500 matriculants from 45 different schools attending classes every Saturday. This growth is a testament to the program’s success and the positive impact it has on learners’ academic performance.
Technological Integration
Monyetla Bursary Project leverages technology to enhance learning. Matriculants receive video lessons on their cell phones, allowing them to review content at home. Additionally, they can access typical exam questions and answers from previous years through the Monyetla d6 App. This digital integration is crucial in preparing learners for their final exams, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Leadership Academy and Computer Coding
Beyond academic support, the Monyetla Bursary Project offers a Leadership Academy and computer coding training. The Leadership Academy equips matriculants with essential skills for their future careers, while the coding training provides them with the ability to generate income through web design and application development. These additional programs underscore the project’s commitment to holistic development, preparing learners for both academic and professional success.
National Benchmark Test (NBT) Preparation
Understanding the importance of the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for tertiary education, the Monyetla Bursary Project introduced a training program to help matriculants prepare for this critical assessment. By providing targeted preparation, the project ensures that learners are well-equipped to excel in the NBT, enhancing their chances of securing bursaries and gaining admission to higher education institutions.
Recognition and Support
The Monyetla Bursary Project’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In January 2018, Advocate Malakoane, the Head of the Department for Education in the Free State, publicly thanked the project at the Well-Done Function. He acknowledged that the Monyetla Bursary Project significantly contributed to the Free State achieving the best overall matric results in South Africa.
For nine consecutive years, Interstate Bus Lines has supported the project by transporting matriculants from Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, Ladybrand, and Brandfort to the Monyetla Bursary Project on Saturdays. This logistical support is vital in ensuring that learners from various regions can participate in the program and benefit from its offerings.
Conclusion
The Monyetla Bursary Project stands as a pillar of educational support and empowerment for South African matriculants. By providing comprehensive academic assistance, technological resources, leadership training, and preparation for the National Benchmark Test, the project equips learners with the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
The project’s focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through education is commendable, and its impact is evident in the outstanding results achieved by its participants. As the Monyetla Bursary Project continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains a vital force in shaping the future of South Africa’s youth, offering them the opportunity to achieve their full potential and create a better future for themselves and their families.
For more information on the Monyetla Bursary Project and how to apply, visit Monyetla Project.