Funza Lushaka is a conditional bursary which funds young people wishing to go into the teaching profession to teach in particular areas of need.
It’s not a general bursary but one designed to address specific needs in the area of maths, science, technology and indigenous African languages.
The bursary came to the rescue of Modipa Senosa, who in 2017, needed funds to complete his studies.
That’s programme, run by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) assists, enabling future teachers to focus on their studies without the budgetary concerns.
Since its inception in 2007, the programme has had 55 000 graduates, these including teachers Lawrence Nkonke, Molemo Lepeletsane and Senosa who have benefited from the scheme.
“I was part of the Funza Lushaka bursary programme 13 years ago and although it had its own challenges, it helped me a lot in advancing my career as a teacher. I studied teaching at the University of Pretoria and under Funza Lushaka, I was able to go to school, get accommodation and an allowance for food,” said Lawrence Nkonke, who is currently a Maths and Science teacher at Phomolong Secondary School in Tembisa .
Hailed for the way it changes people’s lives, especially those who know they have a calling for the profession, the DBE says the bursaries are available to enable selected students to complete a teaching qualification in identified subject priority areas.
Lepeletsane graduated in 2019 through the scheme and was assisted to find a job as a teacher.
““When I got the Funza Lushaka bursary in my second year, my life really changed, I was able to move to a proper student accommodation which has libraries and computer centres, it really did assist me in my studies. I currently teach Geography, History and English at Phomolong Secodary School in Tembisa,” said a proud Lepeletsane.
“I would recommend it to future educators who are struggling financially to grant them an opportunity to change lives in our community. It made my life easier and gave me a chance to study without worrying about how am going to pay for my studies. The bursary scheme also gave me an opportunity to be a teacher and change the lives of young ones,” notes Senosa, who is now a Life Sciences & Natural Sciences teacher.
The Funza Lushaka bursary programme applications have officially opened for the 2025 academic year. New applications will close on 26 January 2025. Re-applications for Existing and or Returning Bursars close on 30 November 2024.
The bursary application is for learners in matric, and those below the age of 30 who have obtained their matric certificate and want to pursue teaching as a career.