Words Open Worlds (WOW) hosted its first WOW Dream Walk for grade 12 learners on 28 January at Stellenbosch University (SU).
More than 60 top-achievers from schools in and around Stellenbosch, along with their parents and teachers, came together at the Jan Mouton Learning Centre at the SU campus. The schools represented were Kayamandi Secondary School, Kylemore Secondary School, Lückhoff High School, Makapula Secondary School, and Stellenzicht Secondary School.
WOW staff and WOW students at SU presented an information session to prepare learners for the application process and admission requirements for studying at the university. The session was facilitated by Jeneen Jooste, Coordinator of Student Affairs at WOW. Fiona van Kerwel, WOW Manager, and Xavier Benyani, a final-year WOW student studying Education at SU, also offered insights.
The WOW team shared useful tips on the support WOW provides during the application process and at the university, as well as the funding opportunities available. Fiona van Kerwel emphasized that learners need to take initiative with their applications for study and support, and that strong academic performance is required to qualify. She also encouraged them to explore their academic strengths and to focus on fields of study that align with those strengths.
“Explore your own strengths so that you can decide on which direction you want to study in with clarity. Tonight is a first step in your academic journey; it is the beginning of big things. So write down your dreams, plan for your career, and remember to contact WOW when you need support. We are at your disposal and will visit your schools to help with the application process, but once you are at university, it is your responsibility to let us know when you need us,” Fiona van Kerwel told the learners.
Through the 50 Schools Project, the WOW team visits schools in the Western Cape to begin the process of assisting grade 11 and 12 learners with study applications to SU. The process is followed up continuously, and support is provided throughout a student’s academic career at SU.
Afterwards, learners had the opportunity to write down their career dreams and to join the university’s official welcoming for first-year students. This included a walking tour through the vibrantly lit campus, where the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, welcomed the students.
“My dream is to become an accountant, but after this session I decided I want to explore what the university offers that accommodates my marks, and to make sure I meet those admission requirements,” said Asakhe Zokufa, a matric learner from Makapula Secondary School in Kayamandi.
The next information session for surrounding schools is the WOW Open Day during the SU Open Day on 18 April at 08:00. Attendance at the SU Open Day is completely free, but learners must remember to book via Quicket from 18 March to gain access to information sessions.
The WOW Dream Walk was hosted in collaboration with Student Affairs at SU.
Click here to read more about WOW, an empowerment initiative through language and culture projects at SU.