In the world of academia, a groundbreaking initiative called the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) was conceived and launched within the public universities of South Africa. Its mission was to identify Postgraduate students with exceptional academic abilities and nurture their zeal to pursue higher education and careers in the Academy. The programme aimed to provide these talented individuals with structured study and development opportunities, preparing them to become future academics in the country’s public universities, and beyond. To quote one of the recipients of the NESP,
I have become a better researcher; I have seen great opportunities to change the world through academia. The teaching internship is allowing me to gain confidence in sharing the knowledge I have gained from my studies.
Years of meticulous planning and dedication brought the NESP to life. The journey to its ideal outcomes had been filled with determination and collaboration from all involved. Administrators, coordinators, funders, institutions, mentors, supervisors, and fellow students came together, forming a network of unwavering support for the enrolled students. “With the help from my supervisor, I have gained academic research exposure and skills. I am part of a community of Postgraduate students who receive academic support through structured workshops, with an opportunity to engage with supervisors from various universities,” shared one student. This student’s involvement in the NESP resulted in successfully defending their research proposal with help from their supervisor and peers. The alignment across all stakeholders became the cornerstone of the programme’s success, ensuring meaningful contributions and positive impacts for both the students and the institutions alike.
The students, the heart of the NESP, had much to say about their transformative experiences within the programme. One significant benefit they emphasised was the relief from the financial burden often associated with pursuing higher education.
I have had a wonderful experience while participating in the NESP. I am both grateful and honoured to be part of such a great programme. The NESP has given me an opportunity to further my studies with ease and peace of mind. The programme has afforded me the time to solely focus on my research without any financial stresses.
The NESP’s financial backing enabled this student, and many others, to focus intensively on their academic pursuits without worrying about financial constraints. Moreover, the students praised the mentorship and administrative support they received. The mentors offered exclusive guidance, shaping the students into better researchers
and academics.
It has been a great privilege to be a member of NESP, this programme has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has ensured that I am fully supported financially and that I receive excellent mentorship, lamented one of the students.
Meanwhile, the administrative support took care of bureaucratic tasks, allowing the
students to fully immerse themselves in their academic projects.
The impact of the NESP extended beyond academics; it inspired personal growth and confidence among the students. Many discovered their passion for teaching and research, seeing academia as a platform to change the world positively. Another recipient shared the following:
The NESP scholarship has proven to be a fantastic initiative in both scholar support and the main objective being to introduce and groom scholars into becoming candidates for professional academics. Through my experience so far and the mentorship provided, I have been able to learn more about the different elements and aspects of being an academic. This has increased my interest in academia, both as a teacher and as a researcher.
The NESP succeeded in nurturing future academics and professionals who were determined to make a difference. Through the programme’s holistic support, the selected students’ Masters and Doctoral pursuits have converged from potential to possible. Not only was the value for the sake of the students, but the growth and diversity of the nation’s academic landscape sought to benefit creating a mutually beneficial relationship. However, no journey is without its curves. The NESP recognised the various internal and external challenges that needed to be addressed in order to fulfil the success of the programme. Internal challenges such as grappling with research methodologies and decision-making required immense support from supervisors, who played a vital role in guiding the students through these hurdles.
In the course of writing my research proposal I had challenges with regards to meeting the required standards of the faculty. But, with the help of my supervisor and co-supervisor I was able to overcome those challenges and the proposal was accepted by the faculty of education.
This outcome from another recipient was testament to the value of the support system offered by the NESP. Externally, the NESP had to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as the pandemic and ongoing power outages, which disrupted the learning and research programmes. Nevertheless, the strong communication between administrators and students allowed them to explore alternative options and ensure the continuity of the programme.
Listening is an important tool to success, and the NESP did exactlythat. Opening up to feedback, students shared their recommendationsfor a pathway for high-achieving NESP graduates to continue theiracademic journey through a structured doctoral programme. Thisdemonstrated the students keen interest in pursuing an academicand teaching career.
Furthermore, students expressed the need for ongoing support in the form of workshops and programmes to aid them in their chosen career paths. They also emphasised the importance of regular networking opportunities among NESP scholars to foster a sense of community and collaboration.
A conference with all NESP candidates from various universities will undoubtedly be beneficial for all of us, as we can discuss the obstacles we have and how to overcome them, as well as share our varied academic experiences. They may be professors appointed by certain universities who can do wonderful presentations or mentor us while we are still conducting our Master s research, despite the fact that we have mentors from our respective universities.
This feedback echoes the underlying symbiosis that the NESP seeks to accomplish. Reflecting on the journey of the NESP, it became evident that the programme’s vision and the students’ suggestions were well-aligned. The success of the programme stemmed from a network made up of individual, yet equally significant collaborators who have a shared interest in the positive outcomes of this pivotal programme. As the NESP continues to grow and expand, it holds the promise of shaping the academic leaders of tomorrow, revolutionising the nation’s academia, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of research and teaching. With the continuous application of feedback and improvements, the NESP was bound to realise its vision fully and transform the lives of countless emerging scholars on their path to academic excellence.
