Corporate Social Investment (CSI)

We understand that education is one of the most important tools for promoting and improving equality. We therefore commit a significant proportion of our profits to CSI, the bulk of which is allocated to bursaries, scholarships and financial support for deserving learners at educational Institutions across the Group. This is consistent with our approach of widening access to education for less privileged learners who are unable to access finance to study at our institutions.

When awarding bursaries to applicants, the following is taken into account:

• academic merit,
• all round human potential,
• leadership potential, and
• financial need.

These are considered within the context of affirmative action and South African empowerment imperatives, both of which are fundamental to our business.

CSI expenditure totalled R57 million (2009: R42 million), of which 93% (2009: 92%) was allocated to bursaries for 2 453 (2009: 2 250) learners to study at our institutions.

Forbes Lever Baker (FLB) launched their Umfundisi bursary programme in 2008 to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds graduate with accounting degrees. Admission criteria to the bursary programme are not based on marks, but rather on the financial need and attitude of candidates.

In 2008, 10 students were enrolled in the programme. Their diverse backgrounds varied from rural school matriculants to those who were heads of households at the tender age of 18. At the end of 2010, five of these students graduated with Bachelor of Accounting Science degrees from Unisa, all of whom are currently registered for postgraduate studies. The top performing student in this cohort (who failed Mathematics and Accountancy in Matric), achieved six distinctions in her final year.

The remaining students are completing their studies and are part of the 50 students currently enrolled on the Umfundisi bursary programme at FLB.

In 2010 Varsity College entered into a partnership with Thuthuka (a bursary fund run by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)) and Deloitte & Touche to provide full bursaries to african and coloured students wishing to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy. The project will enable 25 students to study towards a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree through Unisa at Varsity College’s Durban North campus in 2011.

Approximately 80 bursary applications were received in 2010 from which 45 Matric candidates were selected for initial interviews at their schools. Many of these learners attended rural schools in outlying areas and had succeeded academically despite living in abject poverty. Based on initial interviews conducted, 35 candidates were selected to write the National Benchmark Test before further interviews with SAICA and Deloitte & Touche to select the final 25 bursary recipients.

In addition to their academic studies, Varsity College has enrolled these students on a personal extension programme and has assigned each of them a mentor, thereby facilitating their best chance of success.

We promote participation in outreach projects that provide volunteer staff and students with a greater sense of community belonging and responsibility. The majority of our brands are involved in numerous CSI initiatives at national or site level, or both.

As an example many of our schools have established long-term partnerships with schools in disadvantaged communities that benefit from various projects initiated by our staff and students.

Crawford Preparatory Lonehill has a long standing relationship with the teachers and learners of Diepsloot Combined School (Diepsloot). Every Thursday, a preparatory school teacher from Diepsloot spends the entire day with a Crawford teacher. They are twinned according to subjects/phases where teaching plans, approaches and ideas are cross-pollinated. In 2010, three matric students from Diepsloot were selected to study teaching as part of the Group’s student teacher bursary scheme. Crawford also sponsors an aide for the Grade R teacher at Diepsloot who has over 40 learners in her class.

An annual highlight is the hosting of 20 Grade 7 pupils from Diepsloot at Crawford who attend lessons, play sport, enjoy lunch and have fun with students for the day. Collections for books, stationery, sports gear and shoes are regularly coordinated for the benefit of Diepsloot pupils.

Besides the sharing of knowledge and ideas amongst the teachers from both schools, participation in the project allows Crawford students to gain an awareness of disadvantaged communities and how one act of kindness goes a long way.

Trinityhouse pupils take full responsibility for the organisation of various activities with their neighbouring twin school, Kingsway. This includes a homework class held for an hour after school everyday at Trinityhouse, where students assist Kingsway pupils with their homework.

Other Kingsway pupils are brought across to Trinityhouse to participate in activities such as computers lessons, art, drama, dance, ball sports and swimming. The notable commitment of Trinityhouse pupils to organising and participating in these activities is vital to the success of this project.

Sipho Masilela

“Crawford College Lonehill is not only an institution, but more significantly a home which offered me an opportunity that I will treasure for a lifetime. I was not always the ambitious and determined young man I am today and this was directly related to the standard of primary education I received. My life took a positive turn in Grade 8 however, when I was offered a bursary to study at Crawford, and that was when I promised to make success my goal.

I appreciate the effort and support of my mentors in helping me to adapt at Crawford. My ability to learn, understand and apply grew and in Grade 12, I was recognised as a top Matric student. Today I stand proud as an adult believing that I have been equipped with the skills to be independent.

I achieved seven distinctions in my Matric exams and was awarded a full bursary from Sasol to study Engineering at the University of Pretoria. Although my years at Crawford are over, I owe who I am to the College and this I will not forget.”

Paleso Thulo

“I was struggling financially and really wanted to further my studies. Fortunately, I received a bursary from ADvTECH Resourcing to study towards a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management at College Campus.

After completing my diploma, I worked in a retail store for a few months, until I finally got my breakthrough. The Human Resources Manager from ADvTECH Resourcing, Paula Eaton, informed me about an opportunity that would enable me to work in my field of study. I applied for the position, was interviewed and offered the job at Alphabet Travel. I have been employed at this company since April 2010 and apart from travelling locally I was fortunate enough to get the chance to travel to Mauritius on an educational tour in the same year. I am very proud of my achievements so far and I plan to achieve more as time goes by.

I would like to thank ADvTECH Resourcing for helping me make my dreams a reality. My diploma from College Campus has really equipped me for a better future.”