By: Nontobeko Moimane- 15 June 2023

Thabang Jacob Mwale, an Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry student at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is ready to take to the skies to attend the Summer Camp Exchange Program in the United States of America (USA).

The nine-week program which is an initiative of the Air Fresh Fund, will run from 19 June to 18 August 2023.

Thabang says he learnt about the program from his peers from other institutions and fellow students and took the opportunity to apply with the Awesome Travel agency.

An active student at VUT, it is no surprise that his application was successful – his record of exceptional work of selflessly serving the student populace, speaks for itself. As a mentor and a peer educator, Thabang ‘s role involves putting the safety and health of his peers ahead of his own. These, and many other qualities make him a good fit for this program.

By his own admission, he says the reason he applied for this program is because he wants to learn other skills from his peers from other countries and showcase his own which says he gained from VUT, such as mentorship skills, facilitation, mobilisation, campaigning and working in a team. “I want to learn new environments and gain more knowledge to upskill myself and I intend to share the acquired skills with VUT, and to help in the improvement of the CAD and IHAU department.”

His word of advice to fellow students, is that they must take such opportunities seriously and always have the edge to learn and gain skills from other countries. “We are aware of cases of human trafficking, but it is better to do thorough research on a program that you wish to partake in, that will decrease feeling of fear” said Thabang.

Mr Vido Kungune, the Acting Director for the Department of Internationalisation at VUT, has wished Thabang a safe trip to the US, all the best in the program as he continues to fly the MaVUTi Flag high. He also gave Thabang some advises on things the student should be aware of when undertaking an international travel.