In line with their efforts to support academically deserving students to access higher education, Rhodes University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Premier (OTP) in the Eastern Cape last week.
This is part of the Premier’s Office’s scholarship programme that aims to recognise and reward top achieving grade 12 learners and includes bursaries to attend university in the Eastern Cape.
Two of the top achievers on this programme - Cayleigh Channon (19) from Fort Beaufort and Jacqui James (19) from Grahamstown will have their scholarships administered by Rhodes University.
“I worked really hard for my matric year, it’s amazing to be rewarded with an opportunity to do even better,” said Channon. She is doing her Bachelor of Arts, with the intention to study languages and legal theory.
“I am a big fan of education, which is why I want to be a teacher,” she said.
Coming from a town with some of the best schools in the country, her counterpart Jacqui James (19) is equally passionate about her education. She is particularly interested in Life Sciences.
“The most amazing part of being afforded an opportunity to come to Rhodes is the big, well-resourced library. I can literally find anything I need about ecology here. If you looking for me, you’ll find me at the library,” said James.
According to Marion Mbina-Mthembu, Director-General at OTP, “the creation of better access to quality education remains the province apex priority due to its strategic contribution in building successful nations and in growing the economy”.
Rhodes University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela added that: “we wish to confirm that Rhodes University implements effective, efficient and transparent management of scholarship funds and we further use good governance practices,” he explained regarding to the administration of the funds.