First Afronaut inspires students at graduation
Twenty-six students received Certificates of Achievement at the Samsung Engineering Academy’s graduation ceremony, on February 26.
They were among 1 018 students who have graduated from the academy since its launch in South Africa, in 2011.
The Samsung Engineering Academy revolutionises traditional education by providing free technical and vocational training for school learners, tertiary students and unemployed youth.
Each graduate receives a certificate of completion.
The top achiever for 2015 was Grade 12 student Tshepang Dithoko, from Landulwazi, in Alberton.
Commenting on his experience at the Engineering Academy, he said: “My time at the Engineering Academy has helped me gain the skills I need to find a job in the field I’m passionate about.
“I also hope it will give me the chance to study further.”
Someone who is no stranger to making the most of opportunity is the first Afronaut, Mandla Maseko, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation.
The 27-year-old, from Mabopane, is among 23 young people from around the world who won in the Lynx Apollo Space Academy competition.
The prize was a place on a sub-orbital flight aboard the Lynx Mark II shuttle.
“I was enrolled as a civil engineering student, but I had to drop out because of a lack of funds,” Meseko said.
“I was in the right place at the right time, when this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented itself.
“The students at the Samsung Engineering Academy have been given a similar opportunity and I’m proud of the graduates for seizing it and taking control of their life path.”
This links to Samsung’s goal to create a sustainable and meaningful contribution to education and employability.
“Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and we believe education is the seed of innovation,” said Pitso Kekana, Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs leader at Samsung.
“Our hope is that, through initiatives like the Samsung Engineering Academy, we can empower the youth to build their skills and create opportunities that will lead to sustainable employment.
“It is great to see the graduates living up to this potential.”
