​Education changes lives.

This is the mantra of Eleanor Brink, Sibongile Bulose, Angelique Botha-Dreyer, Bongiwe Mdingi and Alida Hendricks.

These five dynamic women are advisors based at the Centre for Student Recruitment and Career Advicewithin the Division for Student Access. They play a crucial role in helping to shape the future of thousands of individuals by guiding them to access study opportunities at Stellenbosch University (SU).

As part of SU's Women's Month celebrations, this dynamic team shared insight into their work.

The Centre for Student Recruitment uses innovative approaches to position SU as a value-adding institution within the prospective student market. What are some of these approaches?

Annually, we visit 500 schools across South Africa, where we do presentations for Grade 9, 11 or 12 learners and engage with teachers and parents. We also reach out to schools through electronic channels, social media and the post.

We host Open Day, which is a comprehensive branding opportunity for the University to reach schools, teachers, parents and prospective students, with a particular focus on Grade 12s to generate applications. This year, we also successfully hosted two application days on campus.

We also invite schools to participate in our “A Day in the Life of a Matie" experience, an initiative that allows learners to attend lectures and experience life on campus.

We also host the Maties on the Move and Maties 101 events in Gauteng and in the Western Cape. These initiatives targets provisionally accepted students.

As advisors, you encourage the youth to educate themselves. Why is it so important for young people in South Africa to educate themselves?

Nelson Mandela said that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change world".  Empowered youth will not only contribute positively to the economy of the country but they will also be well rounded citizens who can compete in the global market.

We also believe that by investing in the youth through education we can reduce poverty and various social ills.

What message of encouragement can you share with young women?

Eleanor Brink: “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears." – Mark Anthony.  My message to young women is to always chase their passions and dreams, don't allow the world to make you fearful of taking chances to achieve your dreams.

Angelique Botha-Dreyer: Your gift to the world is found in your authenticity. No one can compete with this. Be courageous enough to be true to yourself at all times.

Bongiwe Mdingi: It's never too late or too early to be whatever you want to be. I hope you live a life that you are proud of.  If you find that you are not, I hope that you have the strength to start all over again.

Alida Hendricks: You are more powerful than you think. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges! Make yourself proud.

Sibongile Bulose: Women are nurturers, whether a biological parent or not, they have this innate ability to impact on the lives of many people. As the old saying goes: “Educating a woman is educating the nation." This Women's Month I would like to encourage all young women to go for opportunities ahead of them, get that degree … get that job and impact your community!