– No student must be left behind because they can’t afford data or do not have a laptop to apply for university.
These were the words of Mbali Khoza, one of the workers of Phola Academia.
“All student have right to learn, and Phola academia ensures that,” Mbali said.
Phola Academia is an application drive that goes to schools to guide students on career choices and also to assist them with online applications to universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
On June 25, the organisation held career exhibition at Makause Combide School at Phola in Emalahleni municipality.
Their services in the main include creation of emails for students and bursary applications.
Thandeka Mqocwa, a Fort Hare University drop out, said she switched to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for her Bachelor of Commerce after interacting with Phola Academia.
“I became pregnant that year and my exam dates coincided with conception, so I dropped out of school,” she said.
“The year 2020 resulted in a gap year because I had lost the NSFAS bursary. That’s when I started working with Phola academia who assisted me in re-applying for admission to school in 2021 and completing my re-application for funding.”
“I recently graduated from the UJ with a bachelor of commerce in Accounting and am currently pursuing my Honours in Finance,” said Thandeka.
She also said Phola Academia assisted her get another bursary in 2023.
“So I give back to Phola Academia by offering career advice to current learners and also contributing monetarily, notably by buying lunch for those assisting with the application process, because I’ve obtained a well-paying bursary,” said Thandeka.
Phola Academia was established 5 years ago, it helps about 400 students every year, and is committed to using education as a powerful tool to combat the social ills affecting youth, such as drug abuse, poverty, and unemployment in our local communities.
Tumelo Tswana, founder and director of Phola Academia, urged students to encourage anyone who matric to come forward to get help.
“We want to inform grade 12 students that online education resources are available for free. Phola Academia is dedicated to raising awareness about free university applications and is willing to offer our services at no cost to any school or community.
Our mission is to foster informed communities by nurturing academics who are deeply committed to social responsibility,” Tswana said.
