As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day, we at The DaVinci Institute and our non-profit organisation, tt100, reaffirm our commitment to education as a fundamental human right. In a country where financial barriers and limited university spaces restrict access to higher learning, initiatives that bridge the gap between education and employment are more critical than ever.
Bringing Education to Underserved Communities
In recent weeks, The DaVinci Institute actively engaged with students, parents, and educators across the Free State, participating in dynamic career expos in Sasolburg and Welkom. These events, hosted in collaboration with tt100 and the Free State government, provided crucial insights into higher education opportunities and the pathways available for young South Africans to secure a brighter future.
Our engagement in Sasolburg was met with an overwhelming level of interest, as enthusiastic youth explored the diverse programmes we offer. A similar sentiment was echoed at the Free State Career Development Services Expo in Welkom, where the Kopano Sports Centre buzzed with energy as post-matriculants, unemployed youth, and their families sought guidance on how to access higher education.
Addressing Unemployment and Financial Barriers to Higher Education
With youth unemployment remaining alarmingly high, currently standing at over 45% according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the urgency to provide young people with practical education and employable skills has never been greater. Recognising this challenge, The DaVinci Institute and tt100 recently secured bursaries for five unemployed youth, ensuring they have access to transformative education at The DaVinci Institute.
Each bursary is made possible through funding from the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). This initiative is a direct response to the financial constraints that often prevent talented young people in underserved communities from pursuing higher education.
Education: A Fundamental Human Right for All
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that “everyone has the right to education.” Yet, financial hardships continue to be a major obstacle in South Africa. Many young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle to access higher learning institutions due to tuition costs and limited university spaces.
“Recognising that education is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, this initiative will award five full bursaries to deserving students, breaking financial barriers and fostering a future of innovation, leadership, and social impact,” said Tebogo Thabethe, Project Manager at tt100.
Equipping Students for the Future with TIPS™ and Mode 2 Learning
The five recipients of these bursaries will be enrolled in programmes designed to develop critical thinking, business acumen, and leadership skills. Four students will undertake a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, while one will enrol in the Higher Certificate in the Management of Technology and Innovation at the DaVinci Institute.[OR2]
At the core of The DaVinci Institute’s educational philosophy is the TIPS™ (Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems) managerial leadership framework, which shapes our approach to developing leaders. Through this framework, we ensure that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the ability to apply it in real-world contexts. Our Mode 2 learning approach, a transdisciplinary, problem-solving framework, further enhances this by fostering critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. This ensures that our graduates are not just academically equipped but also workplace-ready, capable of driving meaningful change in their industries.
“We are not just giving students an education; we are giving them a chance to transform their futures. This partnership ensures that young people have access to a learning approach that is relevant and practical, empowering them to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers,” Thabethe added.
A Call to Action: Education as a Collective Responsibility
As South Africa reflects on the significance of Human Rights Day, The DaVinci Institute and tt100 urge businesses, industry leaders, and policymakers to invest in similar initiatives that expand access to education for underprivileged youth.
“As we observe Human Rights month, we urge corporate partners and stakeholders to join us in this movement. Education is not just an act of generosity: it is a societal obligation. By investing in the education of our youth, we are actively shaping the future of South Africa,” said Ofentse Rapakgadi, Executive: Marketing, Branding, and Communication at The DaVinci Institute.
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