The International Education and Partnerships Department hosted a farewell function for Jill Derderian, the US Embassy Consul General and eight students who have been granted a one-year United States scholarship at various community colleagues

The International Education and Partnerships Department hosted a farewell function for Jill Derderian, the US Embassy Consul General and eight students who have been granted a one-year United States scholarship at various community colleagues. The event also coincided with the arrival of students from the 2010 US scholarship project.

Derderian has worked in South Africa for the last 15 years and has spent three years in KwaZulu-Natal. Saddened to leave, she said: “I’m taking a part of KZN with me. Thanks to the students for reminding me what lies back home.”

IEP director, Dr Lavern Samuels said students recruited for the programme come from disadvantaged backgrounds. He said the opportunity will allow them to network with other students and people from different countries. In his address, he said students must develop themselves by learning as much as they can during their stay and encouraged returning students to share their experiences and what they have learned with others.

Songezwa Tyali who studied in Houston Texas College, described his time abroad as unforgettable. He said: “I was at a community college but the US education system is well established. In order for the college to produce multi-skilled labourers, you are encouraged to take modules you like which are beneficial to you and your employer.”

Student Edwin Cane said the reality of leaving only kicks in when you are about to leave. The students will return in July 2012.

-By Andile Dube