Winners can choose to study from a variety of programmes offered at eight of Educor’s brands, including Damelin (part-time), Damelin Correspondence College, Intec College, CityVarsity, Central Technical College, ICESA Education (KwaZulu-Natal), CityVarsity Online and Damelin School of Banking, and Insurance (DSBI).
The bursaries have changed the lives of many nationwide. One such bursary recipient and now proud Damelin part-time alumnus is Isaac Letsie.
Isaac was awarded the club magazine and Educor Holdings bursary in May 2016. He applied using the entry form in the TFG Club magazine, submitted his entry, crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. “I applied because I had always wished to improve myself and my skills in order to become a better employee,” he said.
Group Head of Communications for Educor Jessie Naidoo said, “Educor has recognised that there is an urgent plea from students for financial assistance. The partnership with Foschini is therefore our commitment to education in South Africa and aspiring students who wish to pursue their studies, but cannot do so due to financial constraints. Thus far, the club magazine and Educor have awarded hundreds of students with bursaries affording them the opportunity to follow their dream career path, and we are extremely proud to be making this difference.”
The 35-year-old is currently employed at Mr Price Home as a Sales Associate. In his line of work, he is required to liaise with customers and offer them financial and administrative assistance. Isaac explains that he was extremely excited when he received the news.
“I really wanted to study when I finished matric but I did not have the money. I had to start working to earn money to support my family. When I saw the entry form in the Foschini Club magazine, I knew that there would be thousands of entries but I had to take a chance.”
That one chance changed Isaac’s life forever. The bubbly dad said that he always wanted to study with Damelin and therefore registered for the Damelin part-time programme in Labour Law. “The programme fitted into my working schedule as I was able to attend classes on Saturdays. I got the opportunity to meet my lecturers, as well as meet new friends studying the same course. The course helped me improve my skills in a number of areas regarding Labour Law.”
However, as he did have a full-time job, Isaac explained that sometimes he was unable to attend classes that were scheduled during the week. “My biggest challenge was not being able to attend my classes that were planned from Monday to Friday. However, the best part was being able to discuss the missing lectures with my classmates who gladly assisted and kept copies of notes for me.
Isaac said that one day he would like to use his course to open up his own company. He offers advice to students who wish to work and study: “Choose a course that you are comfortable with and that you are passionate about. When you take time to study and put in an effort to achieve your dreams, you will make it come true. I do this and I am extremely happy.”
In closing, Isaac said that he expresses his gratitude to both Foschini, Educor and Damelin for giving him this opportunity. He said, “Thank you to everyone who was involved to make this dream possible for me. No words can explain what this means to me.”
For more information on how to enter the club magazine and Educor Bursary competition log on to http://www.tfgclubmagazine.co.za/bursaries/.
To learn more about Damelin’s part-time programmes visit www.damelin.co.za. For more information on Educor visit www.educor.co.za.
