It's a bustling lunchtime at the University of Pretoria's (UP) canteen, the rich scent of spring in the warm air, students crowding the treed patio. Two young women - Sharn'e Annette Werner and Oratile Mokoto - beam gratitude as they explain that they are only here because of Avanade's 15 for 15 scholarship programme.
Werner completed her first year as a B.Comm student, travelling several hours a day to and from university and working in her spare time to help fund her studies, but by the first quarter of last year, her parents could no longer afford her fees. She had already applied for financial aid, but she felt her chances of continuing her studies were slim. Mokoto, who finished matric the year before, knew that on a single salary with three children, her mother would be unable to finance her civil engineering degree. She had also applied to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), but as she was competing against thousands of other needy applicants, she was not optimistic.
Avanade launched its 15 for 15 scholarship programme in May 2016, in celebration of its 15th year of business. The initiative sees the company partner with universities to fund 15 women students in their tertiary studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The aim is to promote STEM subjects among women and has been implemented globally to tackle some of the challenges that women face in qualifying for and completing their studies. Five women each have been chosen from three universities UP, University College in London and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona) will have all costs - including fees, transport, accommodation and books - covered for three years of study.
"This is such a blessing," says Werner. "I wasn't going to come back here after the Easter break, so when the invitation came for the scholarship, I couldn't believe it. It was too good to be true." Chosen from a pool of previously disadvantaged students, her motivation letter put her into a shortlist of 15 who were interviewed. She has specialised from a general degree to Financial Sciences and she hopes to become an internal auditor. "It's one of my best subjects and I'm passionate about it," she says.
"I was completely overwhelmed," says Mokoto. "I got an e-mail from my school saying I'd been chosen for this programme. I didn't believe this could really happen. I was sceptical, thought it was a prank." Her keen interest in buildings and structures led her to study civil engineering, although she too, was sure she wouldn't come back to UP after Easter.
Avanade also invited all 15 young women to the company's TechSummit, a technology innovation conference held annually in June, this time in Seattle. Not all were able to attend due to exam commitments in the northern hemisphere, but both Mokoto and Werner managed to get their visas in time and experience global travel for the first time. "It was a culture shock, but I learnt so much about innovation," says Mokoto. "We were especially inspired by the women there," says Werner, "who spoke about life in a corporate organisation and issues like work-life balance as women and the transition from studying to work. We were amazed how involved Avanade is with its employees - you're not just working there," she says. "Also, I find when I'm studying, I think of all the people backing us up, they believe in us, they're proud of us - it makes me want to do even better."
Avanade will also provide support to these young women once they have completed their three years of study with internships, either within the company or with suitable clients. Currently, they have all been offered the chance to take holiday internships at the offices to gain real-life exposure.
"It's about involvement from the company's side," says Mabel Pooe, Marketing Lead at Avanade, "it's not just about giving money to a cause. The organisation is really focused on empowering women - it's an international drive and in this country, it's particularly relevant."
"The 15 for 15 programme provides not only the necessary financial assistance, but also mentorship and finally absorption into the business world for these young women. The scholarship will uplift 45 young women over five years across three continents. There's a conscious awareness to give back as much as we can," says Pooe.
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