Good teachers are essential to solving the global learning crisis and closing the gap between poor and good quality education.

Stellenbosch University (SU) has therefore approved the creation of a bursary fund for financially needy, academically strong final-year Education students who have the potential to make a significant difference as teachers. This bursary will be known as the Dean's Bursary.

"It is vital that all children have teachers that are well-trained, motivated, able to promote learning, and supported by well-managed education systems," says Prof Maureen Robinson, Dean of the Faculty of Education.

 "Even though approximately 65.5% of all registered BEd students already receive some financial assistance in the form of bursaries, it often only covers a part of the cost of studying.

"This bursary will be additional to existing SU support funds, and will be made available to an outstanding final-year BEd student with financial need. The academic performance of the student will also be considered. Most important, however, will be the judgement of the selection panel that this student has the potential to make a significant contribution to the lives of future learners."

The bursar will have the added responsibility in their fourth (final) year of mentoring younger students.

"We know that many factors contribute to a learner's academic performance. Research suggests, however, that among school-related factors, teachers matter most," adds Prof Robinson.

The first Dean's Bursary will be awarded in 2016 for a 2017 final-year student.

If you feel you would like to contribute to this specific bursary fund, please contact faculty manager Robert van Staden on 021 808 3960 or rwvs@sun.ac.za. No contribution is too small.