The four youths were among 100 young beneficiaries selected from the Umlazi district to be part of the bursary programme Braden Reece Naidoo, Luwellyn Mark Pillay, Macallister Pillay and Le'marc Ethan Arumugam. Picture: Supplied
TWO current and two former matric pupils from Meadowlands Technical High School were recently afforded the life-changing opportunity to be part of the launch of the 2024 Future Manufacturing Bursary programme.
The youth empowerment programme was hosted by Toyota and the Inqubeko Training Academy and was designed to empower youth with critical skills, so that they could play a meaningful role in society as trailblazers.
According to Toyota, the Inqubeko Training Academy focused on strategic skills development training that was critical and fundamental to the South African automotive industry.
“These four youths, two of whom are in matric and the other two matriculants, were among 100 young beneficiaries selected from the Umlazi district to be part of the bursary programme," said the school's principal, SV Naidoo.
"The vision of Toyota through this worthy programme was to expand their abilities by using the strength of partners, communities, customers, and employees to produce mobility and prosperity for all, especially the youth."
Naidoo said Toyota believed in the growth and potential of people, who support better products and had launched the programme to further develop these learners and address the skills shortage and youth unemployment.
"This programme was envisioned to improve mathematics and science marks; two important subjects that are vital for the prosperity of our country. This programme also entailed a life coaching initiative that empowered learners about conflict management, values, relationships, and communication.
"In addition to the valuable skills imparted at this programme, each learner received a cellphone and a stationery bag. The cellphone was uploaded with apps that would assist the pupils, particularly those who are still in matric, during the year, and tutors would be available on the app 24/7. The youth will also attend boot camps to prepare them for their trials and final examination,” said Naidoo.
"I am elated and excited that our learners were part of this important initiative. The skills they have attained will propel them towards a brighter future. I am grateful to Toyota and Inqubeko for providing such a valuable opportunity for our current and ex-pupils and look forward to many such youth empowerment programmes in the future."
One of the bursary recipients was Braden Reece Naidoo. The 18-year-old, of Chatsworth, matriculated from the school last year.
“This bursary will help me drastically because I didn’t have the funds to study and I never knew if I would get the chance to study but this bursary gave me a chance to do so and I am grateful to Inquebeko and Toyota for this life changing opportunity. This means the world to me. I would like to study mechanical engineering."
The other recipients from the school were Le'marc Ethan Arumugam, who matriculated last year, and matric pupils Luwellyn Mark Pillay and Macallister Pillay.
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