The important role that teachers play in developing and shaping the lives of young people to become responsible, respectful members of society, cannot be denied. Many people have great testimonies on how a teacher inspired or motivated them to become who they are today.
If this is the kind of impact you would like to have in someone else’s life through teaching, then the Funza Lushaka Bursary (FLB) Programme is for you. You need to be under the age of 30, passed Grade 12 with a Bachelor pass and passionate about teaching.
According to information on the Department of Basic Education website, the recruitment process of the programme includes districts, circuits, schools and community leaders working with youth programmes.
“The supply is determined by the need on the ground, based on retirement patterns, strategic direction of the country, e.g. introduction of the Three Stream Model or the PIRLS report issued. The subjects that require teachers are identified by provinces and therefore prioritised. The Director-General approves these as national priority subjects that will be used for recruitment of youth to study teaching,” it says on the website.
Lala Maje who is the Director for Initial Teacher Educations says that the FLB programme has a targeted approach that leads to better chances of employment as the student teacher will study subjects that are within the phases required by the education sector.
“Funza Lushaka provides financial support to students from any background, in return graduate teachers must work in public schools as a service obligation,” Maje explained.
She also explained that the programme covers tuition fees, accommodation and small living allowance.
To apply, go online https://www.eservices.gov.za. If you require more information, please call: 012 357 3000 or email at: inquiries.funzalushaka@dbe.gov.za.