Limkokwing University of Creative Technology recently gave scholarships worth M850,000 for the tuition of selected journalists and underprivileged students for the 2014 academic year.
MASERU - Limkokwing University of Creative Technology recently gave scholarships worth M850,000 for the tuition of selected journalists and underprivileged students for the 2014 academic year.
The scholarships, initiated by the founder and president of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, were handed over during a media reception held at the University campus last Thursday.
The media reception brought together the media and various stakeholders in the education and communications sector. It sought to highlight the university’s achievements this year and plans for next year.
Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Tseliso Mokhosi, together with Education and Training Minister ‘Makabelo Mosothoane graced the occasion.
Mosothoane received the M450,000 cheque expected to cater for the tertiary education of selected students who wish to pursue degree studies in various fields.
On the other hand, the M400,000 received by Mokhosi will give first preference to four untrained journalists already practicing in both the public and private media.
Limkokwing University’s Corporate and Media Relations Regional Director, Mercy Thebe, said the scholarships would provide in service journalists of selected media houses with a pathway into the university’s relevant degree programmes.
“This intervention comes after we realised that there was need for journalistic skills development in some media organisations. Some of our talented and passionate media practitioners do not have the proper qualifications to enable them to do more in this area,” Thebe said.
She explained that because Limkokwing is an institution that is guided by the needs of the industry, they felt the need to fill the training gap in the media. Thebe explained an announcement would be made that would guide those who wish to apply for the sponsorship support.
“Upon submission of applications candidates would be assessed for eligibility according to the university’s entry requirements. Admissions would be strictly based on the merit of each applicant.”
Speaking at the same event, Mokhosi said the support by the university would go a long way towards the creation of a conducive and well capacitated media in Lesotho.
“This commendable corporate social responsibility is going to equip our journalists with the relevant skills required for the quality delivery of news. I must emphasise that the highlight of this event has been the awarding of the scholarships to practicing journalists, whom majority of them do not have adequate academic credentials yet they possess a wealth of experience.”
Mokhosi further explained the emergence of new media trends such as multimedia, presents challenges to practicing journalists.
“This is why acquisition of new skills and continued learning is critical. Limkokwing University’s support is going to have a positive impact that would forever be celebrated in this country.”
On the other hand, the M450,000 sponsorship would also go towards the payment of school fees for the 66 high school students who are orphans and vulnerable children identified by the Ministry of Education and Training.
Marketing and Recruitment Regional Director, Marcia Mangadi, said the university was committed to paying the school fees for the students until they finish their high school education.
“As an institution of higher learning we would like to see all high school students getting to the finish line and subsequently, enrolling in tertiary institutions. This also follows our social responsibility and commitment to the development of skills,” Mangadi said.
Mosothoane commended the University for hosting such a unique media reception.
“You are the first university in the country to hold an event of this nature in honour of the media fraternity and the role they play in stimulating socio-economic development. I strongly feel other institutions should also replicate this very useful initiative,” Mosothoane said.
