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30 Mar 2010 11:42:25
Former graduate Vuyiswa Ncontsa brought the challenge of ending educational inequality in South Africa to Luton when she returned to the University as part of a visit to the UK.
Vuyiswa, who is Operations Manager with an organisation which recruits and trains graduates to teach in schools in her home country, met with Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE, to discuss building educational ties with the University.
TEACH South Africa aims to fill an estimated shortage of 32,000 teachers in South Africa by providing teacher ambassadors in the most disadvantaged schools in urban and rural situations.
“There are lots of challenges we are going through as a country, but I am passionate about creating an environment which offers educational opportunities,” said Vuyiswa. “I want to give people the foundation I received with my education.
“I believe that by setting high expectations for students but also providing an enabling environment which teaches the value of hard work, dignity and respect, all children can achieve great results.”
After graduating with a BSc in Applied Biology with Analytical Science in 1992, and returning to South Africa, Vuyiswa spent a couple of years working in research, then in a sales and marketing role before joining TEACH South Africa to build relationships with outside organisations and support the graduate recruitment programme.
Her visit to the University was part of a week-long trip to the UK to talk to organisations committed to transforming the life chances of children, including Teach First, School Aid and the Ark Future Leaders Programme.
The talks with the Vice Chancellor explored a number of ways the University could support TEACH South Africa, including long-distance mentoring of graduates and knowledge sharing with the Primary Education team.
Vuyiswa added: “I enjoyed my time as a student in Luton. I was always made to feel very welcome and did not feel homesick.”
Latest news» 2010» March» Graduate returns to build links with South African schools
