Masicorp believes that learners who are empowered with information on the options available to them and armed with the knowledge and skills to access these opportunities will be more motivated and will make educated decisions about their futures and therefore increase their chance of success and ultimately, break the cycle of poverty.
Over the past 9 years Masicorp has provided a highly successful university bursary programme – it offered both financial and mentoring support to students from Masiphumelele who wished to undertake courses at local universities/colleges. Starting from just three students in 2009 we have supported over 50 students with their studies.
Owing to the recent changes in state funding for students and the rapid increase in university fees, the programme became unsustainable and we made the decision to relaunch the bursary programme in 2019, under two umbrellas: Pathways (for Matric students) and the Masicorp Fellowship Programme.
Pathways
The Pathways Programme aims to provide access to resources as well as career and study option assistance to High School learners from Masi High School. In 2019, we held our very first Pathways Career Indaba. On the day, learners from Masi High School were exposed to relevant opportunities and accessible resources that will empower them to make informed choices about their futures. Many learning institutions and organisations exhibited at the Indaba and gave the learners an opportunity to ask questions about possibly career or study options. The Pathways Career Indaba also allowed us to establish a positive working relationship with Masi High School.
Our Pathways Conversations workshops invited learning institutions or organisations to attend a series of smaller more intimate afternoon workshops where the learners could be more involved and ask the representatives relevant questions. During 2019, two Pathways Conversations were held – the Computers and Coding workshop in particular being very well attended.
The Masicorp Fellowship
The Masicorp Fellowship offers students from the community of Masiphumelele a comprehensive financial bursary as well as matches students with a partnering company who will provide industry mentorship, vacation work as well as graduate placement. Our goal is to equip students to be highly competitive graduates in their field.
The Masicorp Fellowship is looking to partner with companies based in Cape Town who believe we have a shared responsibility to support youth out of poverty and are willing to provide not only financial support, but industry exposure and workplace opportunity to students who show exceptional potential.
Get in touch to find out more about partnering with our Pathways or Fellowship programmes.
Michelle 076 814 2312 michelle@masicorp.org
