For the past 21 years the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT), through its legacy initiative, the Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF), has awarded students with bursaries or bursary loans.
The AIT has been in existence since 1926, through the collective effort of members from five churches – the Bethel United Congregational Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Immanuel UR Church, St Stephen’s Anglican Church and the Zion UR Church.
Charles Ockert, AIT treasurer, confirmed that in 2018 R550 050 was issued as bursaries or bursary loans to 60 students studying at various tertiary institutions in South Africa. Students in their second and subsequent years of study will be considered for bursaries based on academic merit and/or financial need. Awards are variable and cover a percentage of the cost of tuition, registration and books. AIBPROF bursaries are not repayable. Bursary funds are paid directly to tertiary institutions.
In 2019, approximately 20 bursary loans will be made available to first-year students with a strong motivation for financial need, who have obtained the “Acceptance to do a Baccalareus course” matriculation exemption.
Clarence Carolissen, the chairperson, reminds applicants to adhere to the requirements:
. Be a permanent resident of Paarl or Mbekweni;
. Be a parish member in good standing of one of the member churches of the AIT or a member in good standing of any bona fide denomination or religious institution in Paarl or Mbekweni;
. Enrol for full-time undergraduate studies for the 2019 academic year at a tertiary institution. The intended course has to be registered with the council on higher education;
. Have been promoted after the last year of study;
. Show potential to study successfully;
. Produce proof of registration;
. Produce payment of registration;
. Be willing to become involved in community service in the Paarl/Mbekweni area;
. Participate in the mentoring programme.
Application forms and information of the bursaries/bursary loans are available from Ernest Nontes at athlonebursaries@gmail.com or Drakenstein Pharmacy, situated in Jan van Riebeeck Road.
The closing date for bursary/bursary loan applications is Friday the 16 February. Completed application forms, together with certified copies of all required documents, must be posted to: The Secretary, Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund, P O Box 846, Huguenot, 7646.
A “drop off” box for completed application forms will also be available at Drakenstein Pharmacy. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
