Tshepo Baloyi

I was a playful kid in high school, and to some extent, a bit of a lost kid. I did not really see the value of it all until at the end of my matric year. I failed to achieve enough credits to get into university. Only after upgrading my matric and getting entrance into university did I begin to understand the concept of education or access to knowledge as a resource for lifting oneself out of the varying forms of poverty. I have since realized that education has given my life meaning I would not have otherwise had. This is why my desire is for my life’s work to become a platform to create the same possibilities for other rural kids, who would otherwise not find access to information.

I hold an MA degree in Development Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, and I have undertaken courses in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and research as tools to place me in a better space to tackle the rural education challenges.

Joining the JETStream is a vital step towards achieving my desire in tackling rural education challenges through research and advocacy. The programme will enhance my research knowledge and teach me the relevant research skills required to achieve my objective.  I look forward to working with different people and organizations in the education space. I also look forward to an environment that fosters skills transfer and a reputable career as a social change agent in the education research field.