Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation tackles unemployment through Scholarship initiative

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is offering South Africa’s best and brightest entrepreneurial-minded first year university students a golden opportunity with its Fellowship Programme. The programme aims to develop students, known as Allan Gray Fellows, into South Africa’s future high growth entrepreneurial leaders and includes comprehensive financial support as one of its many benefits.
Anthony Farr, CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, says South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 25%, is a major obstacle to the country’s growth and future success on the international stage. “The success of the ambitious New Growth Path proposed by government, which aims to reduce the unemployment rate by 10% over the next decade and create five million new jobs, will depend on the involvement of the private sector. By developing a new generation of high-impact entrepreneurially minded leaders, we can ensure a dynamic economy that keeps creating new employment opportunities through innovative business ventures. It’s one of the key ways in which we will secure a bright future for our country,” Farr explains.
Developing entrepreneurial thinking
The Fellowship Programme offered by the Foundation is aimed at developing entrepreneurial thinking and leadership through development activities, experiential learning and seminars including a number of guest speakers conducted by the Foundation . It is open to all current first-year students who have achieved a 65% average in their 2011 mid-year exams. Candidates must be citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland or Botswana, and must not be older than 22 years as of 31 August 2011.
Only undergraduate studies in the fields of Commerce, Engineering, Science (excluding Medicine), Law and Humanities (majoring in Politics, Philosophy or Economics) will be considered. The Programme includes tuition fees, residence fees, a book allowance and living allowance for studies at any of the following universities: University of Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Rhodes University, University of Stellenbosch and the University of the Western Cape.
To apply, SMS “FELLOW” and your email address to 33025, or download the application form from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website at www.allangrayorbis.org. Alternatively, you can request an application form by emailing the Foundation at fellowship@allangrayorbis.org. Applications for the Fellowship Programme close August 31st 2011.
Scholarship Opportunity – How to apply
Grade 6 learners who would like to get a head start on their path to securing their future success can also apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship Programme. It offers support to financially needy learners to complete their high school career at selected leading private and public high schools from 2013 onwards.
The Scholarship Programme includes the full cost of tuition, boarding and several other allowances. To be considered, applicants must show exceptional ability and potential in Mathematics and English and must clearly demonstrate financial need.
To apply, applicants can SMS “SCHOLAR” and their email address to 33021 or download the application form from http://www.allangrayorbis.org/. Applications close on September 31st 2011.
Ideate is one of South Africa's biggest business blogs, with a team of authors all of whom have had entrepreneurial experience. Ideate is read by entrepreneurs thinking BIG. Follow us on Twitter here. View more articles by Staff Reporter.


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