The new year is usually a time for a fresh start. Often, resolutions like losing weight or exercising fizzles out after a week. This year, commit to continuous self-improvement whether it is completing your Matric or pursuing further studies and reap a lifetime of benefits.
The good news is that it’s never too late! Vulamathuba Empumelelo offers an array of opportunities geared towards social upliftment. Check these out:
1.Adults gain a matric certification
Whether you want complete matric or improve your existing results, Vulamathuba Empumelelo offers you the opportunity to reach your goal. The year-long programme occurs weekly on Saturdays at the Vulamathuba Community Learning Centre in Brooklyn. In addition to tutoring, students also have access to psychosocial support like counselling, career guidance, and job readiness opportunities. Obtaining a matric certificate assists you to gain access to PIVOTAL (Professional, Vocational, Technical, and Academic Learning) Programmes fostering a career path and an opportunity to earn a stable income.
2023 Matric Success
In 2023, 10 adults wrote the matric exams, with three learners achieving a bachelor-level pass, two receiving a diploma-level pass, and three higher certificate-level passes. In addition, one learner received a distinction (86%) for Afrikaans as a First Additional Language.
Currently, four are pursuing higher learning opportunities.
Juditte Glass from Bothasig Gardens, who will be studying accounting at university this year, urges young and old individuals to develop themselves. “It does not matter where or how you start; what matters is where you finish.”
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Carmel Peters, also from Bothasig Gardens, was one of the successful Vulamathuba matriculants of 2023. She is now pursuing a Higher Certificate in Business Management at MANCOSA. She highlights that there must be a need for growth and personal enrichment to succeed. “You must also be able to preserve despite the challenges you may face.” She emphasises that research before furthering your studies and looking for courses that offer local and international employment opportunities are vital
2.Pursue post-matric studies
Completed Matric and need funding to further your studies? The Vulamathuba Bursary fund offer financial aid to Communicare tenants and neighbouring communities in the City of Cape Town Metro who have academic potential yet are economically marginalised and looking to pursue a qualification described as a scarce skill.
In 2022/2023, 47 students who enrolled at 19 universities, 19 TVET, and 9 Private Higher Education Institutions, received Vulamathuba bursaries. In addition, three university students successfully graduated.
3.Enrol in a learnership
Vulamathuba Empumelelo also offers learnership opportunities. This learnership aims to help individuals to access PIVOTAL programmes, helping them complete an accredited qualification and increase their probability of employment and the potential of an increase in earnings.
During November 2023, six young people who completed a Social Auxiliary Work learnership comprising 30% theoretical (through Continuing Education for Africa) and 70% practical training with Vulamathuba graduated.
Vulamathuba retained two learners in the company as Social Development Workers. Says, Noluvo Mbiko, “Sometimes, things may seem to be moving slowly or not moving at all, but persistence and the right attitude will keep you going until everything makes sense. You must be patient with yourself.”
Learn more
For more information about Vulamathuba’s Programmes, visit www.vulamathuba.org.za or contact admin@vulamathuba.org.za