There were cheers and ululation as the first group of Sol Plaatje University (SPU) support staff members who took part in the FoodBev SETA – and SPU- funded Adult Education and Training (AET) programme received their Learning Area Certificates.
The SPU AET programme awards ceremony was held at South Campus on 6 June 2022 and honoured 16 SPU support staff members who achieved a 100% pass rate in the two learning areas they completed over three months last year.
The AET programme is offered to staff by SPU’s Human Resources Department and is aimed at empowering staff by helping them to work towards a National Senior Certificate (NSC/Grade 12 /Matric).
The proud students were dressed to the nines to celebrate their achievements at the award ceremony and sang the praises of the University for enabling them to develop themselves.
SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Andrew Crouch implored staff members to continue investing in themselves. “You do not win a prize if you don’t put in the effort,” he said. “I congratulate you and your families and remind you that the University is prepared to invest in you, and the people who supported you.”
Prof Crouch highlighted the importance of staff giving back to their communities to pass on the baton of education to their peers. “Congratulations on taking up the challenge and completing it. As long as you are interested in your development, I will support you.”
Ms Kedibone Mothelesi, an Acting Catering Supervisor at SPU, said she grew up illiterate, and being given this opportunity has given her confidence at work and as a mother. “Education plays a big role. My life has changed. I have gained self-confidence. As a small business owner, I can now do calculations. Thank you, SPU, for the support.”
Ms Lydia Klaas, a cleaner at SPU, thanked the staff for their continuous support. “I am not an English native speaker, so I was always shy whenever I had to speak English. Since doing the English AET class I have now gained confidence speaking in public, and my maths skills have improved.”
SPU congratulates all the learners who worked so hard to make themselves, their families, and their University proud. Well done, and we wish you even more success as you work toward completing the programme and obtaining your General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) qualification.
