Postgraduate Education students awarded German scholarship

Two PhD students from the Faculty of Education have each been awarded a six-month scholarship to attend a postgraduate programme at one of Germany’s top universities.

Genevieve Lentz and Anastasia Gordon are recipients of the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship to attend the Postgraduate Programme at the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS) at Heidelberg University, Germany

Lentz, who is also a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, said she was “deeply grateful” for the opportunity.

“I never imagined that I would be selected for such a prestigious programme. It represents both recognition and encouragement to continue striving for excellence. Academically, this scholarship provides invaluable opportunities for international collaboration and intellectual exchange with scholars from around the world.

“As the programme includes participants from 30 developing countries, it fosters intercultural dialogue and global academic networking. Moreover, it enables me to dedicate my full attention to completing my PhD, thereby strengthening the quality and impact of my research.”

She said she was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and openness of the academics at Heidelberg University in sharing their knowledge and expertise.

“What stands out most is the wide range of monthly workshops and seminars designed to enhance scholars’ academic and professional skills. This commitment to supporting postgraduate development reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.”

Her dissertation is titled: "Framework for the Development of a Transformative Pedagogy to Integrate Africanisation in Higher Education English Curriculum."

Lentz was raised in Bonteheuwel, “the eldest of three daughters to a single mom”.

“I taught high school for 15 years until I was accepted into The New Generation of Academics Programme, funded by DHET. Generally, the entry requirement to this programme is a Master’s but DHET allowed me to come on the programme with my Honours. This meant I had to work twice as hard as other scholars as I only had six years in which to complete two degrees. In 2021, I graduated with my Master’s (summa cum laude) and immediately enrolled for my PhD. God willing, I should graduate at the Autumn Graduation next year.”

She was also the first female deputy referee in Africa to officiate at the Olympics Games for table tennis. 

Lentz expressed her thanks to her co-supervisor, A/Prof Zayd Waghid, Dr Andrew Wambua, and the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society for their invaluable guidance and support in making this opportunity possible.

“I am also grateful to CPUT for granting me the privilege to pursue this academic endeavour, and to my family for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout this journey.”

Gordon said she was very grateful to be one of the first students nominated for the Programme.

“Academically, this scholarship allows me the time and access to world-class resources to complete my doctoral thesis at a renowned university. Personally, I’m deeply grateful for the chance to once again be a full-time student, to pause, reflect, and grow in my craft as an educator and academic.

Her doctoral research explores how communities of practice can influence the use of critical teaching pedagogies through ICT.

She was a high school mathematics teacher for 11 years.

“I study because I’m a teacher. I truly believe in lifelong learning, and it has transformed how I teach. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about karate. I compete internationally in kumite and kata events, which has given me the privilege of traveling and representing my country

“I would like to thank Prof Zayd Waghid, Dr Andrew Wambua, and Dr Astrid Wind for making this opportunity a reality and the Baden-Württemberg Foundation for awarding me this scholarship. My sincere appreciation also goes to Mr Marsh and Mrs Butler at my workplace for their support. To my fellow scholarship recipient, Genevieve Lentz, I feel truly blessed to share this life changing experience with someone as inspiring and grounded as you. And to my family and friends, thank you for your endless prayers, encouragement, and belief in me.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za