Coming to a decision on how best to allocate the funds from our Net Prophet bursary has not been an easy journey. Along the way we’ve engaged with numerous organizations who have graciously educated us on the many challenges faced by previously disadvantaged and financially needy students wanting to study in the field of IT, and how these challenges affect how a willing donor should give.

We’ve learnt that it is simply not good enough to give – you need a good giving strategy. This strategy needs to take into account a range of factors, which extend far beyond the student’s grades or willingness. Social support structures, pervious school IT infrastructure, language barriers, geographical constraints and available mentorship are just some of many factors that donors need to consider in order to ensure that a student succeeds at a tertiary education level and successfully enters the job market.

After much careful research and consideration, we’ve created two bursaries in partnership with the University of Cape Town, that will cover the second year tuition fees for two students studying IT related degrees. The funds raised from our upcoming 2011 event will then go towards their third year tuition, and (hopefully) additional students starting their second year’s tuition in 2012. Our goal is to support the students right to the point where they can enter the job market. RAMP Group will also provide an Internship program for the students to help them gain industry experience before they graduate.

The selection of the students will take place during the university registration period, which is in February 2011. Following the selection of the students, we’ll introduce them to the Net Prophet community, and you’ll get a chance to meet them at Net Prophet 2011 where they’ll share some more about their individual stories at the conference.

Thanks again to all those who gave generously at our 2010 conference, and made this bursary a reality.

Follow us on twitter or subscribe to our blog to receive updates as they happen.

D-Day: 12 May
Diarize it, sync it, write it on a piece of non-digital media if you must. It’s official: preparation for Net Prophet 2011 is all-systems-go, and takes place on the 12th of May 2011. The first round of registrations will open in February, 2011. We suggest that you follow us on twitter or subscribe to our blog to receive updates as they happen.

2010 has been a huge year for Net Prophet. Unprecedented delegate growth (more than double from 2009), increased delegate diversity, wider national and international recognition, additional funding from our generous sponsors and the establishment of the Net Prophet Bursary are just some of the highlights that come to mind as we reflect on the past 11 months.

On the back of the momentum we’ve gained so far, we’re excited to see how Net Prophet grows in 2011, and can’t wait to share with you some of the surprises we have lined up. Expect great things.

A special word of thanks to our 2010 sponsors who have generously renewed their support of Net Prophet for 2011: Old Mutual (Platinum Sponsor), RSAWEB and White Wall Web (Silver Sponsors). Contact us to find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

The conference will once again take place at the magnificent Mutual Park, Pinelands, Cape Town.
All details regarding registration, speakers (prophets), times etc will follow in due course. Follow us on twitter or subscribe to our blog to receive updates as they happen.