The family that studies together succeeds together. Academics and those in the business of placing job seekers seem to agree on this point.
No longer is it enough for parents simply to supervise their children’s homework. By setting the example of doing some serious swotting yourself, you are actually fostering an environment conducive to study.
“[By studying for a] degree or shorter management programme, parents show the significance of lifelong learning as well as the fact that it takes hard work and endurance to achieve greatness in life,” says Basil Leonard, a professor at the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
Doreen Gough, press officer at the University of South Africa (Unisa), says the long-distance learning institution sees 300 000 students registering annually. “Since our students range from teenagers to pensioners, many of them are also parents. About 80% are full-time employed outside the home.”
At Unisa there are no classes to attend, although it does offer discussion classes as well as a limited number of tutorials in some courses.
Maryla Bialobrzeska, programme specialist for further education and training (FET) at the South African Institute for Distance Education, points out that several million 18- to 24-year-olds in South Africa are jobless despite passing matric and are not furthering their education.
According to Kim Meszaros, executive at recruitment company Kelly Services, it is imperative to broaden one’s horizons with further study.
She says employers are beginning to look for less formal educational qualifications than in the past. Self-education offers a blended scenario whether it be through attending conferences, home study or doing research on the internet, there is always a way to improve oneself.
Call Unisa on 0861 670 411 or visit www.unisa.ac.za. You can contact Kelly Services on 011 722 8300 or go to www.kelly.co.za. Visit the University of Stellenbosch Business School at www.usb-ed.com. For more details on accredited adult education institutions, go to www.saqa.org.za, www.info.gov/aboutsa/education.htm, or www. education.gov.za