The University of Johannesburg has announced a new scholarship, the Mpedi Neurodiversity Scholarship which will help make research in a very underserved field more accessible!
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 March 2024) — In an effort to further research in the field of Neurodiversity Studies, the University of Johannesburg has initiated its Mpedi Neurodiversity Scholarship thanks to UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi and his family!
Professor Mpedi is a parent to a neurodivergent son. From his son, the professor has witnessed both the unique intelligence and systemic challenges neurodivergent people face. Knowing that learning more is the first step to creating a more fitting society, the Neurodiversity Scholarship hopes to help more students who want to explore the largely untapped topic a Master’s level, with a emphasis on the neuro-develeopmental learning needs of children and youth.
This will hopefully play an important role paving the way to a South Africa that shifts to help neurodivergent people flourish instead of them having to simply make their way through a society that by systemic design, often doesn’t consider them.
UJ shares:
“The scholarship represents more than a financial aid program. It symbolises the commitment by UJ to address global challenges in the field of neurodiversity. The scholarship aims to facilitate meaningful research that contributes to a more inclusive and understanding society.”
For Mpedi, there are many areas where the system does not serve neurodivergent people. Legal systems do not safeguard their rights enough, policies are not centred around inclusivity and nurturing environments where neurodivergent people’s perspectives and capabilities are not acknowleged enough.
For him, it is about seeing the differences that neurodivergence entails not through the lens that paints them as defective, but as a variation of the human experience.
Students have already been awarded the scholarship. Nthabiseng Molebatsi, Ntokozo Zwane, and Mohamed Mosala are all researching topics related to Down Syndrome. Each is examining different topics, including parents’ experiences in providing support and transitioning from home to school.
Sources: University of Johannesburg
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 