A group of 17 community members from the Nogas Post village, one of 42 villages in the region of Thaba Nchu, are beaming with smiles after obtaining their Bachelor Professional Programme qualification at a graduation ceremony at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, on 9 February.
The programme is a pathway for skills development and empowerment of rural communities.
The initiative is a partnership between the CUT, the the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Global University for Lifelong Learning (Gull) programme. It provides access to lifelong learning for people in communities, for any workplace and organisation, and recognises the learning of the participants, along with the general community-led progress and outcomes.
Prof. Samson Mashele, dean of Health and Environmental Sciences at the CUT, said the programme would be far-reaching to make a positive impact on the community.
“The Bachelor Professional Programme embodies the essence of lifelong learning Z a philosophy that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of challenges,” said Mashele.
According to Dr Richard Teare, president of Gull, the qualification makes the graduates agents of change.
“Everything starts with you. We have to build your confidence so that you know you can advance, change and achieve self-determination for your community and all the surrounding villages. The reason why is on your certificate. The award as ‘professional’ is deliberate.
“If you think about being the best possible person you can be, in all that you do in serving your family and community, in advancing your enterprise. It is not just about achieving a standard once-over qualification, you must keep changing and improving yourself as professionals,” said Teare.
Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka, the chief of the Barolong Boo Seleka traditional community of Thaba Nchu, stated the programme was not only benefiting Nogas Post, but the larger community of Thaba Nchu.
“To the Nogas Post community: You must appreciate the journey of where you are today, do not take that for granted. This is my hope for each member. We need to have impactful initiatives that can really build up a person, and this is what we are working towards,” said Moroka.
