Unisa Cape Town alumni support Elswood Secondary School

 Members of the Unisa Cape Town Alumni Chapter and the Western Cape Regional Office recently embarked on a visit to the Elswood Secondary School in Cape Town. The objective of the visit was threefold: to introduce learners to the opportunities offered by the university, to express alumni support and encouragement for the upcoming matriculation examinations, and to serve as motivation for the learners to invest in their future.

Unisa Cape Town Alumni Chapter members together with teachers and learners of the Elswood Secondary School in Cape Town

Identified by the chapter executive committee as a beneficiary, Elswood was selected because of its learner demographic, with many coming from less fortunate backgrounds. The school is situated in an area that is known for gang activities and drug abuse. The school also does not have a high matriculation pass rate, with very limited numbers entering higher education.

From left: Unisa alumni Zukisani Mpisi, Jason Delport, Sandisiwe Xheke, David Assur and Floyd Tini are joined by Lee-Anne Davids (centre front), Unisa Western Cape Regional Office Communication Officer

During the visit, alumni members engaged with the learners, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the opportunities available through higher education. Lee-Anne Davids, Communication Officer from the Unisa Western Cape Regional Office, had the opportunity to showcase Unisa’s offerings and emphasise the university’s accessibility and flexibility. She provided information regarding the different colleges and admission requirements.

Gillian Adams (Elswood Matric Grade Head) and David Assur (Unisa Cape Town Alumni Chapter representative)

The 109 learners who attended the session received gift packs from the chapter. Also present were school principal Marlon Kiewiet and the grade heads, Wendy Petersen and Gillian Adams.

Adams expressed their appreciation to Unisa and the Cape Town alumni for their support and commitment to the learners’ success. She emphasised the impact of such an initiative in uplifting and empowering the learners.

“We as Unisa alumni trust that our visit to the school has inspired the learners to dream big and know that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” said Unisa alumnus David Assur.

* By Busi Mahlangu, Unisa Alumni Relations

** Photos by Lee-Anne Davids, Communication Officer: Unisa Western Cape Regional Office