Let’s Take a Look at FET Colleges as an Option to Further Your Studies

As the Matric results are released, many students will be waiting for their letter of acceptance to their preferred university, college or technicon. For many students, late acceptance and last-minute applications are a reality. The Minister of Higher Education and Training recently presented a white paper announcing plans for more opportunities for South African youth.

The facts…

South Africa currently has 25 universities, 50 FET colleges and 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) that offer approximately 396 449 opportunities. The Higher Education and Training department is hoping to open a further 12 FET colleges to provide even more opportunities to students who want to choose a practical and work-ready solution. This is all part of the department’s plan to increase the number of enrollments to FET colleges from 500 000 to 2.5 million.

In the past two years, more and more students have been choosing FET colleges. FET courses are career oriented and offer students an academic as well as a practical study experience.

Right, more people are enrolling at an FET college, but why should I?

FET colleges offer a variety of industry-related courses that can help you get a job (so you can study to become something specific – like a builder, hairdresser or a mechanic). If you enjoy practical learning, FET colleges are great, as they have an offer great hands-on practical training to support your academic learning.

You can read our blog that answered six questions about FET colleges, you can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which FETcollege you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance to realize your dream. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Post-Study Financial Freedom – Why Is It So Important?

Whether you are thinking about applying for a study loan, in the process of your loan application or whether you have already committed to a study loan, the monthly repayments would most definitely play a role in your budgeting and planning. At Eduloan we ensure that your study loan is paid off by the time you complete your studies, but why is this so important?

Lowering Your Debt To Income Ratio (making sure your debt is as small as possible in relation to your income and does not have a large effect on your budget)

When you start working, it is important to plan your budget according to your income (how much you earn). When your study loan is paid off, you have one less debt to worry about when you allocate money to your living costs.

Having some extra money available at the end of the month

It is always a good idea to save for emergencies. If your study loan is paid off by the time you complete your studies, you can start saving money for those emergencies, a new car, a house and other expenses.

Planning for the future

It is very important to set yourself financial goals. A study loan is often the first financial commitment that many young people make. After your studies, you might want to buy a car, a house, take out annuities, set money aside for retirement and preparing for your own children’s futures could be some of the goals that you might have to set yourself.

By paying off your study loan by the time you complete your studies, you free yourself from that financial commitment. You can calculate your budget with our budget calculator and then view our quick-reference table to see what your installments will be. Visit www.eduloan.co.za today and contact us to find out how you can benefit from our study loan options.

Introducing The New Eduloan Website – 5 Things You Can Do Efficiently

At Eduloan we do everything we can to help you to unlock your potential and pave your way to success. In addition to our educational finance solutions, great customer service and on campus assistance with our branches on many major campuses across the country we now introduce to you the brand new Eduloan website: www.eduloan.co.za.

Developed and enhanced to give you all the information you need on one easy to use platforms, we have made a list about how this useful tool can help you unlock your potential with a simple click of a button.

Apply For A Study Loan Online

You can now apply for a study loan by either downloading an application form in a preferred language of your choice, completing it and submitting it to us or you can complete the process completely online .

Apply For A Study Tool Loan

Whether you need a loan for textbooks, a laptop or tablet, musical instrument, a scientific calculator, a stethoscope or safety equipment, we can assist you with a loan to cover all your study tools and equipment while you study. You can apply for this online or by downloading an application form from our website.

Calculate Your Installments Using Our Repayment Calculator

Find out how much your loan will cost you by using our repayment calculator tool. Just complete all the fields and the system will automatically calculate your monthly instalments for you, including all related fees. You can adjust the monthly instalment by increasing or decreasing the number of months or your loan amount to accommodate your budget.

Access Your Account Information

Do you want to keep an eye on what’s happening on your account? We have an easy access portal that allows you to view your application status, manage your Eduloan account, view your account statement and update your personal details.

View Our Exclusive Laptop and Tablet Deals

At Eduloan, we offer great laptop and tablet deals! When choosing your laptop or tablet, you will be able to select from leading brands like HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell and a whole lot more. Because we know how important the software is, your laptop comes preloaded with a Microsoft operating system and Microsoft office program for maximum performance. Many of our offerings also come with a service warranty. So, in the unlikely event that something should go wrong, simply bring it into the nearest repair centre!

Visit our new Eduloan website today and find out how we can assist you in unlocking even more potential!

Year of The Artisan &Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Tailor

A Tailor makes, alters and repairs male and female garments (clothing). This can include formal wear, couture clothing, special occasion wear, dresses, coats, bridal wear and other more general clothing garments. Becoming a tailor could be a very exciting career choice since there are constantly new styles, developments and trends in the fashion industry.

As a tailor, you are responsible for a variety of things which include:

• Helping a customer decide what fabric to use and what style to consider for their garment
• Designing a fresh pattern or altering an existing pattern
• Taking accurate measurements of the customer
• Cutting the material according to the pattern
• Assembling the garment using a sewing machine or sewing it by hand
• Arranging a fitting with the client to ensure that the garment fits them correctly
• Making alterations
• Adding a variety of decorative and functional items like buttons and button holes, zips and beads

As a tailor, you can work for yourself, a design house, a clothing factory, a dry cleaner (making adjustments) or you can work for a major retailer. The options are endless and you will be able to work in the environment doing what you enjoy most – some tailors enjoy making alterations, whereas others prefer making patterns.

If you…

• are interested in fashion
• are skilled and enjoy working with your hands
• have a fine eye for detail
• have a steady hand
• enjoy being accurate
• enjoy working with others
• have stamina (at times standing is required)

… then you could be a perfect candidate to become a tailor!

If you want to be a tailor, you can complete a course in patternmaking or fashion design to ensure that you have the skills that you can apply when you approach an experienced tailor or retailer. These type of courses are available from a variety of FET colleges and technikons.  It is always recommended that you confirm the accreditation of the college and that you check what the college’s entry requirements are.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance you need to realise your dream of becoming a tailor. Keep in mind that we also offer loans for all your study equipment – so you do not have to worry about having to buy a sewing machine, material or any of your other equipment. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Keep Your 2014 Registration High On Your Priority List

Whether you are enrolling your child into school, just got accepted to your chosen college or received your letter of acceptance from your chosen university, you will be faced with the registration process sooner, rather than later. This week we take a look at why registration is important, no matter where you are studying:

Scholars

Scholars generally register well ahead of the academic year. If your child is attending grade 1, you might have had to pay your deposit before a deadline or you have until the start of the 2014 first school term to do so.

College students

Many colleges require you to register in the December prior to the start of your academic year.

University students

Many of these institutions will require you to pay a registration fee when you register. This often acts like a deposit for your studies and can even be a term’s school fees in advance or a percentage of your study fees.

Many people forget that they will have to cover these expenses and run into problems during the registration process… remember to confirm the registration details of your school, college or university and to make sure that you have funds available at the time of registration.

#TIP: Plan in advance. Ask the right questions and save money to ensure that you complete the registration process as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that you do not have to pay penalties for late registration, or worse, miss registration all together.

Eduloan is now open for 2014 loan applications. We have various loan options available and offer solutions that can assist you with registration fees and study fees for school, university, college or training. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you!

Year of The Artisan & Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Draughtsman

Draughtsmen and women translate the drawings and ideas of engineers, architects and scientists into detailed drawings. They prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products such as spacecraft or industrial machinery, to structures such as office buildings or oil and gas pipelines.           

Their drawings show the technical details of the structures that specify dimensions, materials to be used, and procedures and processes to be followed. Drafters fill in technical details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes and calculations supplied by engineers, surveyors or architects.

As a draughtsman, there are a variety of specialties that you can get into:

• Architectural drafters draw plans for all kinds of buildings.
• Civil engineering drafters draw plans for bridges, roads, irrigation and construction projects.
• Mechanical engineering drafters sketch plans for machines and engine parts.
• Electrical engineering drafters finalise plans for electrical circuits and wiring systems in buildings for example.
• Structural engineering drafters draw designs for towers and steel frames.
• Town and regional planning drafters draw maps of sewage, drinking water, steam, heating, cooling and conveyor installations, and they may also build models for projects.
• Cartographical drafters draw different types of maps such as cadastral, topographical and meteorological.
• Mining drafters draw plans of mines, including three-dimensional plans which could help for example, with the upgrading of safety standards. 

As a draughtsman, you could work at architectural firms, engineering companies, municipalities, construction companies, metal manufacturing companies, mining companies, contract draughtsman firms, various government firms or you can choose to be self-employed and to do freelance work.

If you…

• are meticulously accurate
• enjoy doing detailed work
• are able to concentrate for long periods of time
• have three-dimensional perception
• have good vision
• have good eye-hand coordination and free-hand drawing skills
• are interested in and have a flair for computer work
• have stamina (at times standing is required)

… then you could be a perfect candidate to become a draughtsman!

Draughtsmens' training consists of 18 months of academic training, available at most universities of technology, FET colleges and technicons, and 18 months of in-service training at an approved firm.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance you need to realise your dream of becoming a draughtsman. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Why Education And Experience Matter

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“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi had many wise words, but these words align well with our topic of discussion for this week. The debate around whether education equips students with the relevant skills and expertise to function optimally in the working world, has been longstanding. This week we look at some of the key benefits of education and experience, to establish why they complement each other to ensure you are well equipped for your future career:

Your education…

• . . . ensures that you develop basic skills that you would require in the working world. Whether your teacher encourages you to share books or other learning equipment with your fellow students or teaches you the importance of time management for example.
• . . . gives you the theoretical framework for your chosen career, ensuring that you operate within legal and industry standards.
• . . . gives you the opportunity to benefit from developing skills within a controlled environment, allowing you to bounce ideas off peers and experiment with different skills that you might need in the working world.
• . . . gives your CV the “stamp of approval” and indicates to future employers that you have the required knowledge to practice in your chosen field.

Experience…

• …allows you to observe professionals who already work in your chosen industry.
• …offers you a real look into the day-to-day challenges of the job.
• …encourages you to practice your skills and get rewarded for the product or service that you offer.
• …gives you extra knowledge that you cannot learn from a textbook.

For these reasons it is very important to balance your education and your experience to get the best results and to keep on achieving more in your career. Remember that you can always continue to further your education or training, even while you are building experience and working in your chosen career!

At Eduloan, we have several loan options that you can consider – whether you are studying full-time, part-time or whether you want to further you studies with a short course, our loan offering allow you to unlock even more potential without the burden of paying off your debt after you complete your studies! Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with a study loan! 

5 Things You Can Do Now To Enhance Your CV

Taking great care in putting together your CV can have its benefits. We’re not only referring to the actual task of filling in your personal details and presenting your qualifications in a logical order… we are also referring to the things that you can do to enhance your CV, no matter where you are in your career! Here are 5 things that you can do to improve your CV… and that will set your CV apart from the rest.

Tip #1 – Community Service

Whether you are at school, college or university and even if you are already working, putting in the time for community service or to work as a volunteer is not only rewarding, but it also shows future employers that you like to take time out to do something for someone else.

Tip #2 – Work Experience

By gaining work experience you are showing initiative by engaging with the industry that you want to work in. Your future employer will see this as an advantage, because they will accept that you have experienced the working environment and that you do not have unrealistic expectations of the job.

Tip #3 – Get a hobby

Hobbies like photography, writing or even participating in a choir amongst others indicate that you enjoy a variety of skills and that you understand the importance of achieving balance in your life.

Tip #4 – Participate in sport

Much like having a hobby, sport indicates that you understand the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle. It also assists with skills like hand-eye co-ordination and teamwork.

Tip #5 – Short courses

Short courses are an easy way to develop your skills in your current field of work or to develop a new set of skills that you will be able to apply immediately, once your course is completed. You get to complete these while you are still working, so you do not have to interrupt your work schedule in order to give yourself a head start! Short courses also show future employers that you are eager to continue learning.

Did you know…

Eduloan offer loans to suit your educational needs. We also have loan options that cater for specialist equipment for your course like textbooks, laptops and even tablets! If you are looking to further your career with a study loan, you can contact Eduloan and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

6 Questions About FET Colleges Answered

Whether you are in grade 10 or in Matric, you might be busy considering your options for next year. There is a lot of information out there… but where to start? This week we look at FET colleges and answer some important questions, so that you have the answers you need to make an educated decision about what you would like to do next year!

Q: What does FET stand for?

A: FET stands for Further Education and Training. FET colleges are institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education that provide training in a specific occupational field.

Q: What makes this type of college unique?

A: FET colleges offer students the opportunity to study a specific educational programme to develop marketable skills that can be used towards a specific career (so you can study to become an electrician, a chef or a hairdresser for example).

Q: What can I study at an FET college?

A: FET colleges offer a variety of industry-related courses that can help you to get a job in one of the following industries:

• Agriculture
• Commerce
• Education
• Engineering
• Services
• Security
• Business
• Management
• Training and Development
• Manufacturing and Technology
• Building Construction
• Arts and Culture

Some private FET colleges will only offer courses in one or two of the industries listed above, although there are many colleges that will have a larger variety of courses and industries for you to choose from. The courses vary in duration from a short course of a few hours to formal diploma courses.

Q: What is the entrance requirement?

A: FET colleges generally consider students who are older than 16 and have completed Grade 10. It is however very important that you confirm the entrance requirements for your chosen College as they might vary from college to college.

Q: Where can I find a FET College and how do I know if it is a good college?

A: There are so many colleges for you to consider on the Internet. If you do not have regular access to the internet, you can approach your school guidance counselor for assistance. It is also a good idea to ask the college what their accreditation is – all FET colleges have to be registered with the Department of Higher Education and many of them will also be registered with a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). Most industries have a SETA that ensures that all the courses comply with a standard that is legal and authorized. 

Did you know…

Eduloan has loan options to suit your educational needs. We also have loan options that cater for specialist equipment for your course like textbooks, laptops and even tablets! If you are looking to further your studies at a FET college, you can contact Eduloan and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Year of The Artisan & Skills-Based Education: Become An Electrician

An electrician is a person responsible for installing, operating, repairing, upgrading and servicing various electrical systems. As an electrician, you might service streetlights, traffic lights, intercom systems as well as various control systems and circuits.

You may be required to do work in someone’s home, in residential complexes, at large companies, factories or even power stations. Many electricians work for a company, an agency or even for themselves.

As an electrician, there are a variety of specialties that you can get into:

• General electricians – design, assemble, install, test, commission, diagnose, maintain and repair electrical networks, circuits, equipment, components, appliances and facilities for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes.
• Engineering electricians – are responsible for the generation, transfer and conversion of electrical power.
• Mining electricians – work in the minerals and energy industry they are responsible for establishing and ensuring ongoing supplies of power from generators to plant and accommodation units.
• Auto electricians – specializes in the electrical wiring and maintenance of motor vehicles.
• Aircraft electricians – specializes in the electrical wiring and maintenance for planes and helicopters for example.

As an electrician, you could also be required to design layouts, research building plans, test and inspect circuits, install complex electrical circuits, upgrade existing systems and fix wires and circuits. You will have to work with a variety of electrical equipment and tools. It is also very important to take great care in what you do, taking great care in safety precautions and ensuring that you complete your tasks according to government regulations.

If you…

• are interested in electricity
• are physically fit and agile
• are observant
• are responsible
• have an eye for detail
• are good with your hands
• are safety-conscious
• are self-motivated
• like to solve problems

… then you could be a perfect candidate to become an electrician!

Courses, learnership and apprenticeship programmes are available from a variety of FET (Further Education & Training) colleges. It is always recommended to cross-reference the college’s accreditation.  Visit the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority website for a complete list of registered colleges. Every college will have varying prerequisites and the relationship between practical and theory courses on offer will vary too – just do your research and consider all you options!

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance you need to realise your dream of becoming an electrician. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

4 Wallet-Friendly Sports You Can Play To Boost Your Fitness Levels

It is not breaking news that students are generally short of budget or out of pocket. Because exercise is an important element of a healthy lifestyle and contributes positively to your studies, we take a look at some inexpensive sport-options that won’t break the bank.

Running

Running and track sports are great to do socially – as a team or even on your own. Whether you like to take a casual run around the neighbourhood, join a track team or train for a marathon, running is a sport that needs little funding. You will require a pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothes to run in.

There are also various benefits of running. As an impact sport, running is good for cardio-training and burns a high amount of calories!

So why not tie up those laces and get running?

Soccer

Soccer is a great team sport that requires a lot of running as well as good hand-eye co-ordination. Often considered a social sport, many schools, colleges and universities have various soccer teams. You can always join a local club or just get a group of friends together. Whether you are playing field or indoor soccer, you will get a great workout without having to fork out large amounts of money. Depending on the kind of team you join, you will need a kit that generally consists of soccer boots, and comfortable clothing.

Soccer can be a great workout and lots of fun. The health benefits include:

• Increased aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health

• Lowers body fat and improves muscle tone

• Builds strength, flexibility and endurance

• Increases muscle and bone strength

• Improved health due to shifts between walking, running and sprinting.

 Lace-up those boots and get active!

Swimming

Join your school, college or university’s swimming team or even your local swimming pool or a gym. You can choose whether you want to commit to swimming in a team or on your own. The only equipment you will need to get started is a swimming costume and a swimming cap. Sure, flippers would be nice, but it is no excuse not to get in the pool!

Swimming offers you something no other aerobic exercise does: the ability to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system.

So why don’t you make that splash?

Netball

A good team sport, Netball is a non-contact sport and players have to be fast, strong and agile. A game puts considerable pressure on the body, with players having to make short sprints, hard stops, and twists and turns during the course of the match. You will require a pair of takkies and some comfortable clothes or a uniform (if you join a team).

Although a non-contact sport, netball is still a fast-paced and intensive game, which will quickly boost your health and fitness levels.

Get to the court!

See, getting active does not mean breaking the bank! So try out some of these options and see which sport you prefer… it shouldn’t be long until you find something you enjoy!

9 Tips For Staying In Shape While Hitting The Books

All students face the exam-monster… the stress, the lack of time for yourself and others, the absence of a social life and even worse… the exam weight. Sitting at your desk all day can have its benefits for your studies, but not so much for your physical activity levels. As we head into exam-season, we take a look at tips for staying in shape while hitting the books:

1. Put together a schedule
By compiling a balanced study schedule, you can ensure that you allocate sufficient time for your studies, time for exercise and sleep.

2. Take regular study breaks 
Study breaks are a good way to get up from your desk. Take a walk to the kitchen to get a fresh glass of water. This will help with your blood flow, making sure your brain gets a fresh burst of oxygen and you get to stretch your legs.

3. Plan a study group
Touching base with other students is not just good for your studies, but also gets you off your chair. A study group is a place for you to debate concepts, ask questions and help each other study. Besides working together, students in study groups can generally learn faster than students working alone!

4. Get out of the house
Choose a study location away from home, forcing you to shower, change and get out of your house. 

5. Walk or cycle
When you leave the house to study in the library or to meet your study group, choose to walk or cycle. The additional physical exercise will do you wonders!

6. Balance
Replace your desk chair with a Pilates balance ball. This will ensure that you maintain good posture and work your core balance at the same time!

7. Don’t ditch exercise
It is so easy to ditch exercise when you are tired. Sleep often wins the debate and then you limit your physical activity even more. Try and keep yourself motivated to get moving! You can always get a gym partner or join a team to ensure that you have one more reason to get out there!

8. Small, regular meals
Keep an eye on your meals. The type of food you put into your body has a lot to do with what you get out. Avoid large meals and stick to smaller and more regular meals that will ensure that you get all the vitamins and minerals that you need.

9. Healthy snacking
It is easy to snack while studying and because exam times are stressful and you generally do not have much time, you might find yourself quickly grabbing a snack from the vending machine. If you are studying out of home, plan your day, pack healthy snacks like fruit and nuts and avoid the dreaded convenience of the vending machine.

Every little bit helps! So whether you choose to take the stairs opposed to the lift, make a point of taking a walk during your study break or whether you stay committed to your soccer team while you are studying, keep in mind that exercise is great for your studies too!

Year of The Artisan & Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Hairdresser

This year has been declared the “Year of the Artisan and Skills-Based Education” by government, to promote the diplomas and courses offered by Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in South Africa. This month we will be looking at how to become a hairdresser and what you will have to study to qualify as one.

Hairdressers render a variety of services to clients that might include washing, cutting and styling hair. They also perform a variety of chemical treatments which could include perming, straightening, colouring and highlighting.

A career in hairdressing can give you an opportunity to work in a salon, a barber shop, perform home-visits or work in an old-age home and even on film, television or theatre sets.

The satisfying objects of becoming a hairdresser: You can enjoy self-employment You get to work with a large variety of people You assist others in improving their appearance Hairdressing allows a variety of creative opportunities

The demanding aspects of becoming a hairdresser: You might have to work long hours and over weekends Hairdressers stand for long periods of time It can get tricky to serve difficult clients There might be periods where you might not have any clients

Here is a short list of five skills that you might require:

1. The ability to handle stress – hairdressers often have to work under extreme pressure.
2. Remain positive – you should be able to provide your clients with the best service, regardless of whether you are having a bad day.
3. Enjoy working with people – You will have to work with a variety of people, and you will often not be able to choose your clients.
4. Good at solving problems – Whether you have to find a style to suit a face-shape or whether a client requests an intricate style for an event that incorporates flowers, you will constantly have to think of inventive ways to solve problems.
5. Enjoy being creative – Whether you have to come up with a stunning ‘do’ or a way to inspire new styles and ways to use colour, creativity is an important skill necessary for this occupation.

Convinced that Hairdressing is for you?

The National Certificate in Hairdressing takes place across level 2, level 3 and level 4. During your studies, you can partake in an apprenticeship at a salon. Here you will work under the eye of a qualified stylist who will also teach you a variety of skills and provide you with real-life experience. After you have completed the necessary curriculum and completed your practical hours, you will be able to complete your trade test. Speak to your college to establish what their requirement are.

There are various FET colleges that offer courses in hairdressing. It is always recommended to cross-reference the college’s accreditation. You can visit the SAQA website to see more detailed information about the qualification as well as a list of some accredited providers.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance to realise your dream of becoming a hairdresser. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Inspirational Woman: We Talk To Totsie Memela-Khambule

This August we have been focusing on Women’s Month, and this week we speak to Totsie Memela-Khambule, the CEO of Eduloan. Totsie is involved with several other projects including being the chairperson of Memela Pratt and Associates, director of Cadiz, the leading merger and acquisitions firm in South Africa and director to International Partnerships for Microbiocides (IPM) – a research non-governmental organisation that specialises in HIV/AIDS prevention for women.

In her private capacity, Totsie mentors young leaders through the International Women’s Forum’s fellowship program and participates in forums that give disadvantaged communities opportunities.

Here is a snapshot of the five minutes we spent with Totsie:

Q: How did your education shape your future?

A: I grew up in a working class family, my mother was a domestic worker and my father was a gardener. My parents taught me that an education can change one’s life, that it will get me out of poverty and make me independent.

Q: Who is your inspiration?

A: My mother has always been a great inspiration to me. Although she never had a formal education, she always had an inquisitive mind, asking a lot of questions to find out how things work and what they are. My other inspiration is Osceola Macarthy, who saved a few pennies to give underprivileged people the opportunity to achieve more by establishing a scholarship fund for students of colour.

Q: What are some of the difficulties that you had to overcome to get to where you are?

A: Some of the difficulties includes thinking you are not good enough, doubting yourself and allowing yourself to think that your past defines your future. I had to learn that only you can define your future and not to overlook the present.

Q: You are involved with several projects – how do you find the inspiration to continue contributing to and influencing such a diverse range of projects and people?

A: Understanding the role of a leader is important, you have to realise that you have a bigger responsibility. Serving others is important, whether it is intellectual, physical or financial amongst others. You have to treat everyone in the same manner.

Q: What advice would you give South African youth?

A: Realise that you are not entitled to anything and that you have to think differently and independently. Have an inquiring mind. Give meaning to your life by having gratitude and giving of yourself and serving others.

“Maya Angelou said that although people might forget what you said, they will never forget how it made you feel.” Totsie Memela-Khambule, CEO of Eduloan.

Four Careers That Touch Lives

There are a variety of careers that touch our lives daily. If you are also interested in furthering your studies and touching people’s lives, there are a variety of career options that you can consider. Here are four careers that might have touched your life as well as those lives around you.

Doctors and nurses touch one’s life from an early age. Whether you require chronic health care or whether you have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups, those who work in the medical profession care for you and your family on a regular basis.

Did you know: The stereotypes some people hold about being a nurse can come from what they know from history about Florence Nightingale, even though the profession has changed over the years.

There is no doubt the role of a teacher is a demanding and rewarding one. A teacher may teach young children who have just started school, or they may teach much older children in a specific subject. One of the largest tasks for a teacher is to ensure that every pupil develops an interest in what they are being taught. Teachers individually and collectively can not only change the world, but improve it, and in the process find personal and professional renewal.

Did you know: There is more than one path towards becoming a teacher and getting the degree you want? Some people choose to study for a BEd – a Bachelor of Education degree. You can also complete a bachelor degree in a specific subject lasting three to four years, and then follow it up with a post graduate course.

Social work strives to address social problems in the country from a social development and a social justice perspective. Social Workers work with people from all walks of life, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable. Social Workers work with individuals, groups, families and communities. If you’re looking for a career with meaning, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options, consider social work.  Social workers are people who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference.

Did you know: Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nonprofit agencies, and government offices.

There can be few more rewarding careers to consider than that of a police officer. While no two jobs are ever quite the same from day to day, this is definitely the case when it comes to being a police officer. A South African police officer has many different duties. The main duty is of course to ensure that law and order is upheld at all times. Crime prevention is just as important as locating criminals, solving crimes and upholding the law. All police officers must take an oath of office.

Did you know: A reservist is a member of the community that performs part time (at least sixteen (16) hours per month) policing functions or activities for the South African Police Service on a voluntary basis without being remunerated for such services?

You can contact your local college or university for more information on furthering your studies. The South African Police Service has more information on becoming a police officer. By deciding to further your studies in one of these fields are demanding, yet extremely rewarding. We would like to thank those who touch our lives and hope that they inspire more South Africans to walk in their shoes.

Eduloan recognises the need for access to more affordable financial assistance for public sector employees (like nurses, policemen etc). Eduloan enjoys a long-standing relationship with government, offering all government employees easier credit approval processes and automatic salary deductions. This special arrangement smooth’s the way ahead for your career path.

At Eduloan, we have several teachers, policemen and nurses as clients and respect the contribution that these people make to our society. If you are a government employee, you can talk to us about how we can unlock your potential.  We are also on hand to discuss how we can assist with education loans for your children and family members too.