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Investing in Tomorrow’s Teachers

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The recently launched The IIE Varsity College’s School of Education lectures for its Bachelor of Education in Foundation and Intermediate Phase Teaching degrees will start on Monday, February 15th. The Varsity College, Port Elizabeth campus will be commencing with The IIE Bachelor in Education in Foundation Phase Teaching degree and among those starting their degree are seven recipients of the Varsity College Scholarships for Aspiring Teachers: Chelsea Harty, Tamryn Blignaut, Neliswa Mnqumeni, Demaine Jansen, Logan Hunt, Athenkosi Dladla and Maxene Cherry.

Late last year, as part of the School of Education launch, Varsity College invited aspirant Foundation and Intermediate Phase teachers to apply for scholarships. “The aim of the Initial Teacher Scholarship programme were to heighten awareness about teaching as a career; to call to action individuals with the ambition to be teachers to apply for a scholarship at Varsity College and to target, in particular, African first language speakers in IsiXhosa, IsiZulu and Sesotho with a passion and aptitude for teaching, but not the financial means to study towards a quality degree in teaching.” says Susan Friederichs van Harmelen, National Programme Manager of Education at Varsity College. Over 1000 applications were received for the scholarship countrywide. At the end of the application and interview process, 27 applicants were awarded scholarships. The total value of the scholarships is R3 million over a four year period. Seven recipients will be studying at Varsity College, Port Elizabeth.

Scholarship recipient Demaine Jansen, passionate aboout a career in education, quoting Nelson Mandela, believes that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” When asked about her future, she said she would like to “change the world no matter how small a difference – whether one child’s life or many.” She continued, stating that “I am extremely honoured to have received this scholarship as this is my way of giving back to my country. Excited is an understatement of how i feel to be studying towards my Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase teaching this year – I am ecstatic.”

“The IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching offers students an exceptionally well-designed curriculum which includes valuable practical teaching experience in local Port Elizabeth schools. In addition, the degree provides students with an exciting and unique opportunity to explore the use of technology in the classroom with the help of a completely wireless campus, access to smartboard technology, and lecturing staff that are committed to modelling best practice.” says Melissa Spira, Lecturer and Programme Leader for Education on the Port Elizabeth campus.

Investing in Teachers of Tomorrow: Port Elizabeth, Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase Scholarship recipients, from the Teacher Scholarship Programme, back row from left to right: Logan Hunt, Demaine Jansen and Tamryn Blignaut. Front row, from left to right: Maxene Cherry and Athenkosi Dladla.
Investing in Teachers of Tomorrow: Port Elizabeth, Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase Scholarship recipients, from the Teacher Scholarship Programme, back row from left to right: Logan Hunt, Demaine Jansen and Tamryn Blignaut. Front row, from left to right: Maxene Cherry and Athenkosi Dladla.

Author: A’neil Philander
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