Eastern Cape Educacation Bursary

The Eastern Cape Department of Education hosted an Open Day career exhibition at the Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu Science Center in Cofimvaba, Chris Hani East Education District, which is a valuable community event that promotes engagement, education, and science related entertainment.

The day was filled with relevant presentations relating to Agriculture, Science, Technology and Innovation which inspired curiosity and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and further showcased science in action through interactive exhibitions and relevant panel discussions.

This event fosters community involvement, builds partnerships, and promotes social connections by offering an inclusive and accessible environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu Science Center was the Center Manager, Lulu Ntshaba. She said, “The open day creates a sense of community and belonging, ultimately inspiring a more informed and connected community. The event provided exposure to various career choices, university entry requirements, and bursary opportunities.”

Ntshaba also highlighted that the event also provides opportunities for networking with industry professionals, hands-on experience through interactive exhibits, and guidance from career counselors and industry experts.The expo on its own aimed at inspiring and motivating learners through real-life  experiences and success stories.

An educator at Lukhanyiso JSS, in Butterworth, Ayanda Gazi, a school that also attended the event has weighed in and extended gratitude to the Department and Center for granting learners this opportunity as it is the first time for her learners to attend such an event. She also highlighted the importance of these events in honing the skills of the learners and guiding them into making sound and informed career decisions.

“I feel so proud being an educator when I take a black child from the rural areas to such an academic and informative event because they will also come out as visionaries, I am certain that the learners who attended will know from now onwards that it is not just a routine but a long term investment into their future.” Added Gazi.

An aspiring local farmer representing a group of women in farming, Nokhwezi Jama, said that they were invited by the Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu Science Center to come and participate in the presentations by experts from the farming industry as it was not only a science expo but also included agriculture officials to promote community building and empowerment.

Jama conclusively acknowledged the initiative made by the EC Education Department and the Center by affording learners with an opportunity that themselves did not get in their time.