Access to bursary funding for tertiary education available to girls and women in the greater Kouga area not only promotes gender equality, but also helps to address broader issues related to economic development and community well-being.
In a stride towards catalysing socio-economic development, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Scarce Skills Bursary Programme is enhancing access to tertiary education, with 80 percent of the beneficiaries being women, as reported in their year-end report for 2023.
Among the success stories is the Eastern Cape’s Amaarah Basadien, who commenced her studies in 2020, and is set to graduate with an Actuarial Science Degree from the University of Cape Town at the end of this year.
Possessing a keen intellect, the capacity for big dreams, and the determination to achieve significant accomplishments, she embarked on her academic journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This unexpected circumstance necessitated a swift adjustment to an unconventional and challenging study environment.
The transition to online learning, amid the global pandemic, showcased her remarkable adaptability and commitment. Balancing virtual classes, assignments, exams, and personal responsibilities, she swiftly found her rhythm, benefiting greatly from the flexibility that nocturnal study sessions offered.
“The support from Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s bursary was instrumental during this period, not only financially, but also in providing mentorship and additional resources to facilitate education under such unprecedented conditions,” Basadien shared.
Her ambitions extend beyond academic achievements and professional aspirations.
Basadien is deeply invested in environmental conservation and harbours a strong desire to support the educational pursuits of others in the future.
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities, particularly for women, plays a crucial role in driving social and economic progress within the local community.
“Education is a powerful tool for economic empowerment, and by supporting girls and women in our communities we are able to not only provide access to tertiary education, but also to invest in their future economic potential. The impact includes increased income-earning opportunities, improved job prospects, and the ability to break the cycle of poverty. It is ultimately an investment in the individual’s future and our society as a whole,” said Nonini Makhothe, economic development specialist for Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Makhothe further noted that the success of beneficiaries like Basadien highlights the transformative impact of the Scarce Skills Bursary Programme, not only in empowering individuals, but also in promoting sustainable development and community well-being.