12 December 2025
In 2023, the Ian Fraser Memorial Bursary Fund proudly launched its Coaching Programme in partnership with the UCT Centre for Coaching. This initiative has opened a meaningful pathway for visually impaired students to grow with confidence—helping them balance their academic commitments, personal lives, and overall development.
Coaching has proven to be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional transformation. Through this programme, students are supported in setting clear goals, navigating challenges, and unlocking their full potential. Each bursary recipient is paired with a dedicated, professionally trained integral coach who walks alongside them throughout their educational journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.
The impact has already been deeply inspiring. Our students are thriving, and their voices speak best to the value of this partnership. Here is what some of them had to say:
Student 1: I feel empowered to express myself authentically, as my coach has created a space where my thoughts and experiences are respected without judgment. Each session encourages me to share from my personal perspective, with the understanding that my views are shaped by my unique life journey and are not to be deemed incorrect. I approach our interactions with openness, sincerity, and a willingness to grow, while he listens attentively, offers guidance, and assigns tasks that support the achievement of our session goals.
Student 2: For the majority of this year it was personal growth focused, learning to build self-trust, although it was related to my academic journey as well. However, for the last few sessions we’ve been focusing on time management and anxiety management when it comes to my Masters, because I had found myself in a place where I felt overwhelmed by edits that I had to make and I was losing momentum. He has helped me untangle that mental knot and to regain momentum and an upward spiral.
Student 3: The primary direction of my coaching sessions is focused on both academic and career growth, as these are central to my long-term goals. At the same time, my coach also supports my personal growth by helping me build confidence, empowerment, and resilience. This balance allows me to strengthen my professional development while also addressing personal challenges that may affect my progress. Overall, the sessions guide me toward becoming more prepared, focused, and self-assured in pursuing my future aspirations