To mark its 13th birthday, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is giving away one of the most important gifts anyone can give: an education.

The CTICC will be providing 13 students with bursaries to the value of just under R400 000. The bursaries will provide students studying in the culinary, food and beverage, hospitality, and technical trades, with support to assist them during their studies without being concerned about paying their student fees.

The bursaries are being offered in association with four educational institutions namely the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, (CPUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), South African Chefs Association and College of Cape Town.

“Training and skills development have been central to the CTICC’s success over the past 13 years and we believe there is no better way to celebrate our 13th Birthday than giving the gift of an education. These bursaries will provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true” says Julie-May Ellingson, Chief Executive Officer, CTICC.

In addition to this, the CTICC has also committed to incorporating these students into their graduate programme once they have completed their studies. This will give each of the students an opportunity to received valuable work experience and receive hands-on training in various departments within the CTICC.

“We aim to support promising young individuals with relevant experience that will enhance their employability and through these gifts demonstrate our commitment to the youth of South Africa” adds Ellingson.