Boitumelo Pooe and Kamogelo Selebalo, two determined students from Kgakala and Makwasi, were awarded scholarships as part of Bokamoso Solar’s bursary programme that not only eases the financial burden of tertiary education but also provides essential psycho-social support, shaping their personal growth and inspiring long-term aspirations to give back to their community.
As a final-year Bachelor of Education student at the University of the Free State, Boitumelo describes the bursary as life-changing in ways she never expected. Beyond covering tuition, materials, and accommodation, the programme also offered her access to a therapist, support she credits with helping her cope with academic pressure and personal challenges.
“What makes this bursary even more special is the way it has supported me beyond just money. Having access to a therapist through the bursary has been a lifeline. It helped me handle the pressures of university and life with greater strength and peace of mind.”
Established in 2020, the Bokamoso Solar scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial assistance, mentoring, and psycho-social support to qualifying learners from the Matlosana and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities.
For Kamogelo, a second-year Information Technology student at the Central University of Technology, the bursary has also removed the financial barriers that once made tertiary education seem out of reach.
“Before the scholarship, my family and I constantly worried about how we would afford tuition and accommodation. Getting this support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Now, I can focus completely on my studies without stressing about money.”
Kamogelo has set his sights on a career in IT and Artificial Intelligence and hopes to use his skills to uplift young people in his community and open doors for the next generation.
“I’m not just studying for myself. I want to honour my family and make my sponsors proud,” he says.
Covering tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, a laptop, meals, transport, and living allowances, the bursary ensures that students can focus fully on their studies while receiving the emotional and academic guidance they need to succeed.
