Lilitha Solar’s bursary programme directly benefits qualifying students from De Aar and the surrounding areas, providing funding for studies at South African public tertiary education institutions. The bursary covers study-related costs including tuition fees at the chosen institution of higher learning; accommodation; study materials and books; related transport costs as well as a living allowance.

This funding programme aims to provide access to higher education for talented young people from the De Aar area as well as help support their transition from school to university and the proceeding years. By 2022 the bursary programme has given 36 community members the opportunity to higher education, of which 17 has obtained their degree and successfully completed the programme.

“Access to tertiary education will help us build a high-level skills pool of young people from De Aar and the surrounding towns, which will also benefit the communities, not just the direct beneficiaries,” explained Abner Wagenaar, Economic Development Manager at Lilitha Solar.

Our implementation partner, Study Trust, is a national bursary organization registered as a PBO and NPO with a BEE level 1 rating. They are responsible for sourcing applicants for the bursaries made available by our solar project; manage the selection process; manage contracts with the students; and disburse the funds in accordance with agreed upon criteria.