The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) awarded 71 study bursaries to Grade 10 and 11 learners while prize money to schools around South Africa as part of the departments Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP).
Bursaries were awarded to learners to study fields rated in the water and sanitation-related sector, while the prize money will be used by schools to procure water and sanitation related needs for the sustainability of their projects.
“The learners get to study at the university of their choice in the country, in a field of study related to our sector. The comprehensive bursary programme covers full tuition fees, accommodation & food as per university guidance, books and stationery allowance and a monthly stipend” revealed the DWS.
The WSEP initiative aims to address the skills and knowledge shortage in the DWS by challenging Grade 10 to Grade 12 learners to compete and innovative solutions to support the department.
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.
One competition under the WSEP, the Aqua Enduro action project seeks to identify learners who are passionate and have the determination to pursue careers in the water and sanitation sector.
Nearly 500 schools participated in the programme. Competing schools demonstrated innovative ways to save water and develop sanitation infrastructure.
A further 27 bursaries were awarded for a public speaking competition hosted by the department. Learners debated topics around the state of water and sanitation in the country.
