Hermanus has a population of 80 432 and a fast-growing unemployment rate of 23,3%. Many young adults from this region who finish high school cannot access tertiary education at universities for various reasons, but poor a financial situation is the primary obstacle.
The Centre for Local Economic Development (Cenled) which houses the PASCAL Africa Hub, in collaboration with local stakeholders, identified the need for locally-based tertiary education in Hermanus.
This is also aligned with the local economic development (LED) strategy of Overstrand Municipality, to provide lifelong learning opportunities to communities.
In reaction to this need, Cenled piloted their online Higher Certificate for Local Economic Development over the past three years. This qualification covers ten modules. It is expected that the module outcomes that inter alia included critical thinking skills will assist these students to either become LED professionals or entrepreneurs.
The initial intake was 75 students. Due to various reasons only 22 progressed to the final year. Their registration and course fees were sponsored by Cenled. These 22 students graduated recently and received their qualification certificates. At the ceremony, Prof Marius Venter (Director: PASCAL Africa) announced that these 22 students can now apply to be admitted to a Baccalaureus Artium degree in Public Administration at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
It is anticipated that this outreach project will motivate the students to contribute to better their society.
It is believed all must share the World Bank’s vision, that the chosen instrument for fostering growth, reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity is tertiary education for all.