The Department of Water and Sanitation has awarded 71 bursaries to Grades 10 and 11 learners from all nine provinces, as part of the Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP).
The bursaries were handed over during the National Adjudication of the Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) award ceremony at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Friday.
The programme addresses the skills shortage in the scientific and engineering disciplines, targeting Grades 10-11 learners studying Mathematics and Physical Science, particularly for the sector.
The schools entered a weeklong WSEP competition from 3-7 October 2022 under various categories, including South African Youth Water Prize (17 bursaries), Aqua Enduro Project (27 bursaries), Public Speaking (27 bursaries), and Baswa le Meetse (15 certificates and trophies with cash prizes).
The competitions were aimed at getting high school learners to come up with innovative ways to propel awareness around the water and sanitation career opportunities.
The learners also heightened water saving awareness and proper sanitation to their communities.
The department awarded certificates and trophies accompanied by cash prizes to the value of R215 000, to 15 schools in the Intermediate Phase.
Department spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said the bursaries are geared towards studies in the water and sanitation-related careers, while the prize money will be used by schools to procure water and sanitation related needs for the sustainability of their projects.
“The bursaries have been allocated by the learning academy within the Department of Water and Sanitation, and will comprehensively cover the students’ registration, food, accommodation and a monthly stipend,” Ratau said.
Through the WSEP, the department aims to create more employment opportunities in the country while also bridging the skills gap, which exists in the sector.
“Thus far, a total of 800 learners have been awarded bursaries to pursue careers in the water and sanitation sector while 3 500 schools have been supported through the programme since its inception,” Ratau said. – SAnews.gov.za
