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SAEE SCHOLARSHIP FOCUS
Merishka Singh received a bursary from the Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency in 2012 while studying for her Bachelor degree in Technology (Town and Regional Planning) at the Durban University of Technology. The SAEE bursary covered most of her university fees for her 3rd year.
After graduating in 2013, Merishka was employed by the National Department of Public Works in Pretoria as a Town Planning Management Trainee. Her complex role requires her to survey and analyse the location of properties and surrounding areas; confirm legal considerations and constraints; ensure compliance with relevant legislation; evaluate existing and proposed developments; and implement town planning strategies, policies and development plans. Based on responsible and sound planning principles and financial information, she makes recommendations on the viability and feasibility on the existing and proposed development of the property.
Merishka plans to further her studies by obtaining an additional degree in Project Management. Her post- graduate plan is to obtain her Masters in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Pretoria.
“My career is actually in the built environment sector, however, energy efficiency is important to this sector in terms of allowing for the analysis of whether or not a proposed development is energy efficient or not, and to help determine mitigation methods and ways of making the development energy efficient,” comments Merishka.
In her spare time she likes to travel to new destinations, making a point to visit important and interesting landmarks.
Merishka concluded, “I have a passion for the environment and energy efficiency plays a major role in helping to protect the environment by developing sustainable sources of energy that reduces the carbon footprint on the environment and educating people on how to save energy.”
Applications for the SAEE scholarship programme are open to 2nd and 3rd year students studying an energy related degree or diploma. As the energy efficiency industry in South Africa strives for a more even gender balance, women are specially invited to apply for bursaries.
The SAEE scholarship programme would not be made possible without the generous support of our sponsors Ensight, ECS (Energy and Combustion Services) and The Energy Training Foundation.
Click HERE for information on the 2015 SAEE scholarship programme.
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