THIS year is a big deal for Tony Maake and his family.
He is the first person in his family to go to university.
Maake, of Katlehong on the East Rand, has enrolled at Stellenbosch University for a bachelor of science degree in human life sciences.
"I am hoping that when I finish I will be able to enrol for a degree in medicine," he says. "I just want to make my mother proud."
Ludolph Botha, senior director of student and academic support at Stellenbosch University, says first-generation students are still a minority and they may find it difficult to familiarise themselves with the dominant campus culture.
"International studies indicate a high drop-out rate for first-generation students; these students are twice as likely to leave before their second year of study compared to students whose parents had completed a bachelor's degree," he says.
The First Generations Commission was established in 2008 to help understand, communicate and tackle the unique challenges faced by first-generation students.
Some of these challenges include financial well-being, pressure to perform, a lack of knowledge about support services available on campus, logistical issues and difficulties in establishing a peer support structure.
"Difficulties are not only restricted to lecturing halls and examination rooms, but are present in the everyday make-up of life on campus.
"Students have to understand that enrolment at a university is very different from the more practical courses offered by various colleges. Work volumes are very high and the pace is fast," Botha says.
"This necessitates regular and continuous study, self-discipline and the ability to work independently.
"Continuous support and encouragement is vital - not only for the children, but for the parents as well. Students should seek assistance at the earliest signs of coping difficulties.
"The sooner problems are identified, the greater the chance to remedy the situation.
"University is not meant to be a place of academic learning only, but also a great social and cultural experience - it is up to the individual to make sure it is unforgettable for all the right reasons," Botha adds.
Tony set to take up challenge at varsity
THIS year is a big deal for Tony Maake and his family.
He is the first person in his family to go to university.
Maake, of Katlehong on the East Rand, has enrolled at Stellenbosch University for a bachelor of science degree in human life sciences.
"I am hoping that when I finish I will be able to enrol for a degree in medicine," he says. "I just want to make my mother proud."
Ludolph Botha, senior director of student and academic support at Stellenbosch University, says first-generation students are still a minority and they may find it difficult to familiarise themselves with the dominant campus culture.
"International studies indicate a high drop-out rate for first-generation students; these students are twice as likely to leave before their second year of study compared to students whose parents had completed a bachelor's degree," he says.
The First Generations Commission was established in 2008 to help understand, communicate and tackle the unique challenges faced by first-generation students.
Some of these challenges include financial well-being, pressure to perform, a lack of knowledge about support services available on campus, logistical issues and difficulties in establishing a peer support structure.
"Difficulties are not only restricted to lecturing halls and examination rooms, but are present in the everyday make-up of life on campus.
"Students have to understand that enrolment at a university is very different from the more practical courses offered by various colleges. Work volumes are very high and the pace is fast," Botha says.
"This necessitates regular and continuous study, self-discipline and the ability to work independently.
"Continuous support and encouragement is vital - not only for the children, but for the parents as well. Students should seek assistance at the earliest signs of coping difficulties.
"The sooner problems are identified, the greater the chance to remedy the situation.
"University is not meant to be a place of academic learning only, but also a great social and cultural experience - it is up to the individual to make sure it is unforgettable for all the right reasons," Botha adds.
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