Leadership and Education through the bursary programme:

Women in IT awarded two bursaries in 2006 worth R20 000 each to two young ladies who studied in the IT field. Both completed their studies at the end of 2006 and our forum is in touch with them assisting them in finding a career opportunity within the industry. Agneatha Davis and Portia Mathimbi our 2006 bursary winners have both established a firm footing within the IT industry. Agneatha has gone on to start her own business and Portia is currently doing her honours for her degree in BSc Information.

In 2007, two more bursaries worth R20 000 each were awarded to Kgaugelo Maila and Nokukhanya Sigasa who are furthering their studies in 2008

For 2008, 3 bursaries were awarded to Chuma Nombewu and Lebogang Motiong. The third bursary was awarded to Nomonde Malanda in KZN.

In 2009 our intention is to increase the number of bursaries to 2 in Johannesburg, 1 in Durban and 1 in Cape Town (this is dependant on the funding available).

Supporting our bursary programme is a talk planned for 2 schools in Gauteng. Speakers will be addressing the girl-learners to highlight the potential benefits of taking mathematics and science subjects and to motivate a career path in IT. Our past bursary winners will also give their experience of how an IT career is just as much an option for females.

In South Africa, the core focus includes Digital Inclusion, Supporting Jobs and Opportunities and Transforming Education under the umbrella of Innovative Schools, Teachers and Students.

(http://www.microsoft.com/digitalliteracyinstructor)

This program involves managing and promoting the innovation side of integrating ICT’s into education, so that teachers are better equipped to teach effectively.

Microsoft Student to business programme

The goal of Microsoft Students to Business South Africa is to provide students with the key competencies they need to excel in their future jobs and to further grow an industry that is empowering, inclusive and highly skilled. Strong local skills enhance economic growth and employment; promote innovation, and further encourage technological and cultural advances in South Africa.

http://www.student2business.co.za/