Top performing high school learners of various schools from across the Northern Cape recently attended the Talent Pipeline Programme (TPP) at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley.
The 78 learners were welcomed by the SPU’s vice chancellor and principal, Prof. Andrew Crouch, who said the aim was to create a pool of learners who have a better opportunity to pass matric with a bachelor’s pass.
Research has shown that a single graduate from a university has an immediate impact on the lives of ten others when returning to his or her community, Crouch said.
“One graduate from a rural community can therefore be seen to be a catalyst for economic growth in that environment. This is important to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in our province and our country,” he emphasised.
Josephine Pieters of the De Beers Group reminded the learners of the importance of thankfulness.
“Be thankful for your life, for the leaders at this university, that they are passionate and care about the community and about you. You can regress easily if you are not thankful.’.”
Judge Yvonne Mokgoro shared personal anecdotes with the learners.
“In this world you can be anyone you want to be. I’ve always been part of this town. I’ve been everywhere – and I am still part of this town.”
She reminded the TPP cohort that they had been carefully chosen for a clear purpose.
The TPP was launched in October last year and identifies the top-performing high school learners in Gr. 10, Gr. 11 and Gr. 12 in schools across the province.
These learners are enrolled in a holiday programme at the SPU, during which they receive refresher courses on their curriculum and take part in psycho-social educational enrichment programmes to prepare them for tertiary studies.
