Two pupils from Ulwazi High School have received Airlink bursaries to study in the aviation field after they have matriculated.
The three-year Airlink programme aims to empower and encourage pupils to get into the aviation industry.
Pupils from East London high schools were invited to apply for the programme in early 2023, with only eight out of 120 applicants selected.
The company’s youth empowerment programme, part of its social responsibility commitment, is for pupils from disadvantaged communities.
Ulwazi High principal Mihlali Makalima welcomed the initiative.
“There are not many black students that are represented in the aviation industry, especially in historically disadvantaged areas such as ours,” he said.
“When you do analysis of the results that students obtain, you will find pupils that pass maths and science exceptionally in these disadvantaged areas.
“These sorts of results catch the eyes of these big companies such as Airlink.
“I would like to add that our teachers work hard to help our students reach their potential.
“Mathematics and science is not a problem at our school because our staff work hard to help our students succeed.
“We do not prioritise only our maths and science students, but we help all our students in all their subjects.
“I call upon all other schools [that are not involved] to join this programme and help students reach their potential.
“Discipline is very important to succeed. These students work hard, and they are disciplined.
“They are mostly grant recipients. What they have is brains and talent,” Makalima said.
Pupils are identified from Grade 8, with their progress monitored throughout until matric.
One of the pupils selected for the programme, Lubabalo Plaatjies, 16, said they had been informed on different career opportunities in the aviation field.
“The programme will give us a bursary for our studies after matric, helping alleviate financial stresses and burdens,” Lubabalo said.
“The overall experience for me has been really nice, we were treated well and taught about the aviation industry and multiple career options so that we are not limited.”
Grade 11 pupil Asanda Mhlom, who was also selected for the programme, said the bursary and opportunity would assist pupils’ parents financially.
“This programme will be of great help, both in expanding our knowledge and assisting us financially.
“We were also taught on mental health and mental fitness, along with information on how to apply to universities.
“I have immensely enjoyed my experience so far and I have learnt a lot of things, the experience has been great,” he said.
Once having completed their training, the selected beneficiaries will have the chance to work for Airlink.
DispatchLIVE
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