During 2009/2010, we implemented two (2) financial literacy related project and a science and technology event/activity, as well as a fund raising initiative.

Financial Literacy Project

The overall goal of this project was to help our students understand the basic facts and concepts of financial planning, money management and also to inform them where help can be sorted. The objectives among others were to educate and raise awareness on the fundamentals and importance of creating a budget, savings, investments, and credit management. Also to inform and equip the youth with financial management skills that will enable them use their financial resources wisely.

In partnership with South African Savings Institute, the project was launched on the 10^th of May 2010 in Pretoria campus. We subsequently held exhibitions and workshops at various TUT campuses between 21 and 30 July 2010 in partnership with with South African Savings Institute, National Credit Regulator, Financial Services Board, Momentum, Post Bank, Council for Medical Schemes and Local TUT SRC’s at Polokwane, Nelspruit, Witbank, Ga-Rankuwa, and Soshanguve campuses. At each campus, an exhibition of key financial information such as budgeting, saving tips & strategies, debt/credit management and investment options were held for about three hours, followed by a one-two hour(s) workshop session highlighting the basic concepts of financial literacy. Students also interacted one-on-one with the facilitators to address individual financial challenges. Seven Samsung laptops and Seven Unit Trust Investment accounts were won by our students. 21787 students were informed on how to develop a budget and savings strategies. The initiative utilized our community radio station (TUT Top Stereo) with estimated listenership of about 44, 000.

5cents Friday

The objectives of this project were to raise awareness of saving as well as fund raising for our sustainability/activities. We also raised awareness of SIFE TUT’s programs and projects on our campus. Approximately 24, 688 5cents amounting to R1234.40 was collected in a period of 7 weeks (March to May 2010) at our Pretoria campus. We initiative utilized TUT online newsletter Heita with estimated readership of 33, 000.

Young Women in Science

The overall goal of this project was to bridge the gap between Young Women in South Africa and the Science and Technology industry as a matter of national sustainability. The objectives were to:

1. Raise awareness among our high school learners about the opportunity in the science field and in South Africa as a whole, about the benefits of been involve in this field.
2. Inform and equip the youth about the career options and information that will enable them finally break in through the industry.
3. Educate and raise awareness on the fundamentals and importance of creating a nation of women scientists having a discipline mind and background of science.
4. Help develop a positive attitude amongst young women towards science and technology.

Our target was Young Science & Technology Women in high schools from Grade 10 to 12 from schools within the three Tshwane education district School their Principals, Districts Officials (Education), Professionals/Academics, District Directors  (Tshwane West, Tshwane South and Tshwane North), TUT Staff and Students Seminar was conducted and 250 packages of information were distributed. Packages included career guidance from SAASTA and application form from the Tshwane University of Technology. Our audience were Motivated by the Minister of Science and Technology and they learn about the first South Africa space satellite station and the opportunity that SAASTA and of cause inspiration and fully motivated to take up science as a career.