Despite 2010 being the most challenging year for matriculants and teachers, the Department of Basic Education can be applauded for having surpassed the expectations of many South Africans by obtaining pleasing results.
Now that the dust has settled with thousands having been admitted for further education and a few more having been rejected due to low marks, it is time to start over and plan for the future. “It is not over for those that were not able to make the cut to university. There are options available that matriculants can use to further their studies including enrolling at further education and training colleges,” says Andile Lungisa, executive chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
As the academic year begins the NYDA would like to place special focus on the matric class of 2011 so we can prevent incidences like the ones we have seen where students get turned away due to late registration or low marks.
“Over the past two weeks we have observed reports about learners bunking school or drinking on their way to school and are very concerned by this type of behaviour. We appeal to learners to take their studies and wellbeing seriously,” says Lungisa. He adds that also by starting to prepare now for the end of the year, learners can avoid failing and taking last minute decisions that might not be necessarily be the best ones.
The following are some useful tips to help learners prepare for the end of the year:
- Undergo career guidance; this service is available at schools and from professional consultants at NYDA offices. NYDA staff can also visit your schools and communities on request
- Winter or summer schools are conducted yearly at selected colleges across the country. Find out about your nearest winter/summer school from your schoo
- Constantly check for bursary offers from private/public institutions. Information of this is often available in newspapers or announced on radio. The NYDA also updates its website with information on bursaries and further studies regularly; the same information is available from the NYDA call centre on 08600 YOUTH (96884)
- If you are planning on furthering your studies the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government funded loan scheme, which is available for academically deserving learners who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, who cannot afford university or university of technology tuition fees
- Always take note of the closing dates for applications to university/university of technology, college or bursary offers. Check with the institution at which you wish to study for closing dates for applications and registration.
“In January learners might feel that they have a long time to prepare for their final exams but they should remember that academic success comes with consistent hard work, discipline and dedication. Now is the time to start preparing for end of year exams,” concludes Lungisa.
Enquiries:
Linda Mbongwa
Tel: 011 651 7053
Cell: 082 315 3217
E-mail: lmbongwa@nyda.gov.za
