Graduates celebrated their level three to five on the Bachelor Professional ‘Pathway to Temong’. 

Seventeen community members from Nogas Post Village in Thaba Nchu have graduated achieving their level three to five on the Bachelor Professional ‘Pathway to Temong’ programme. The partnership between Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Global University of Lifelong Learning (GULL) programme aims to reward and recognize the action learning of participants and to also acknowledge the community-led progress and outcomes.

Congratulating participants on their academic journey, CUT Dean of Health and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Samson Mashele said the programme has had a positive impact on community. “Today marks a significant milestone in your journey, a journey characterised by dedication and commitment to excellence. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter in your lives, I’m filled with admiration for your determination to pursue knowledge in an ever-evolving global landscape. The Bachelor Professional Programme embodies the essence of lifelong learning, a philosophy that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals to adapt, innovate and thrive in the face of challenges,” said Prof Mashele.

GULL President, Dr. Richard Teare reiterated that the graduation ceremony above all, was for the participants to feel special, adding that a good professional always wants to improve and keep changing. “The starting point of your journey is self-directed change. The fact is wherever you are born in the world, we can all change, we can all be better at something and try to be the best person that we can. And it has been joyful for me to hear some of your advances, to hear how some of you were shy and have now gained more confidence. Everything starts with you, we have to build your confidence so that you know you can advance, change and achieve self-determination for your community and all surrounding villages. The reason why on your certificate it describes the award as ‘professional’ is deliberate. Because if you think about being the best possible person you can be, in all that you do in serving your family, community, in advancing your enterprise, it’s not just achieving a standard once over qualification, you have to keep changing and improving yourself as professionals,” said Dr. Teare

Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka, the chief of Barolong boo Seleka stated that she was tremendously proud of the dedication of the participants, and how this programme is not only benefiting Nogas Post Village, but the larger community of Thaba Nchu.

“To the Nogas Post community, you are blessed! You must appreciate the journey of where you are today, don’t take that for granted. This is my hope for each and every member of our community. And to build this we need to have impactful initiatives that can really build up a person, and this is what we are working towards,” said Kgosi Gabo.