Overcoming educational barriers faced by rural learners

THE 2025 matriculants began their exams this week, but post the anxiety, stress, and effort required to pass the exams, for many, the stress and anxiety become louder.

- DR SHEETAL BHOOLA

For those learners who come from impoverished areas, the stress of finding a meal daily begins. Some of these learners have been beneficiaries of the school nutrition programme and have become reliant on the meals provided.

The challenge to fund and find resources to pursue a skills development course or a tertiary educational qualification can be very overwhelming.

The reality is that many impoverished children struggle without pertinent guidance and mentors in relation to securing financial support for tertiary educational opportunities.

The other challenge lies in the fact that even though these learners may complete the application procedure, their ability to articulate well in the written form may be to their detriment. At present the NSFAS website is in the English language and clearly stipulates that any South African student can apply if they have not received any funding from non-NSFAS sources.

The fund will not support candidates who want to pursue a second undergraduate qualification, second certificate qualification or if you intend to study at a private institution, qualifications that are not endorsed by the Department of Higher Education and Training and The South African Qualifications Authority.