Applications for one of the most generous student funding opportunities is open and CPUT students are being urged to apply.
The Caro Wiese award is sponsored by SA business tycoon and CPUT Honorary Doctorate recipient Christo Wiese and his wife Caro.
Worth R70 000 each the Caro Wiese awards are bestowed on two students (one male and one female) who have achieved academic excellence despite extreme personal hardship.
The Caro Wiese awards are almost one year old and the 2016 recipient was Matthew Benjamin, a Sudanese refugee who walked to SA in 2011 and arrived in Cape Town speaking very little English and with only R200 in his pocket.
Determined to study he taught himself English using YouTube videos and eventually enrolled for a Masters course in IT. Matthew successfully graduated last year and thanks to the generous award was able to continue his studies.
Convener of the award Prof Janet Condy says that while the award is partially based on academic excellence the focus is on the applicant’s personal story.
“CPUT students who have achieved excellent results relative to the opportunities they have had, and who have a track record of high achievement despite the most formidable social, physical, or other personal challenges, are eligible,” she says.
Visit http://www.cput.ac.za/study/funding/caro-wiese-award for more information on how to apply.
Applications close on May 19.
