Community Engagement Student Academy connects with community library

The Community Engagement Student Academy (CESA) project team, called the Community Connectors, recently visited the Siyafunda community library, which is based in a garage in Lavender Hill.

The academy affords student groups the opportunity to design their own programme and activities when engaging their targeted community organisation. These projects are aligned to Vision 2030 and the building of partnerships within society.

Apart from the Siyafunda community library, John and Gail Nicholson also started a feeding scheme about 15 years ago to help address the needs of the youth in the community.

The excitement amongst the Community Connectors was evident as they prepared their activities for the engagement with the learners from the community.

Jacqui Scheepers, Manager: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Units, Centre for Community Engagement and WIL said: "What impressed me was that the students made time to research and rehearse their stories, develop quizzes, and even make their own props for the enactment of their stories. I continue to be inspired by communities who remain hopeful despite their numerous socio-economic challenges.

"Investing in the development of young minds will contribute to the upliftment of our communities and brings hope and support to organisations dedicated to serving others".

Students interacted with the Lavender Hill learners who frequent the Siyafunda community library. Activities included storytelling, drama and plays outlining the importance of literacy and expanding knowledge through reading. During the session, learners were extremely engaged and displayed an eagerness to learn. "The Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit must also commend the continued support from the internal CPUT Library services department for the collection and donation of books to the community library. This is an ongoing collaboration which will expand the footprint of the university".

David Haarhoff, who is currently assisting the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit, stated: "The concept of bend the tree whilst it is still young, stands out for me. The children within the Lavender Hill community are exposed to various forms of life challenges including poverty, gangsterism, drugs, abuse and so much more. As a University, we have an obligation from a corporate social responsibility point of view, to bring hope to these challenging situations.

"We want to inspire the children to rise above their circumstances and to believe that they can have a successful life. The circumstances that they are currently exposed to do not have to be a norm or be a way of life. Our goal is to go about our work and plant a seed wherever we go. I am very proud of our student group for the excellent execution of this project."

Community Engagement Academy Alumni and CESA student assistant, Sydney Hlongwane, a fourth-year Advanced Diploma in Project Management student, said: "Saturday's project was great. We performed fun skits, distributed books and spent time with awesome kids. I was impressed by their curiosity and smart questions. They were so engaged and eager to learn. It made me happy to see them smile and have fun. These kids are so smart and talented. They are going to do great things in the future".

Scheepers concluded: "The Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit will continually strive to make a positive impact in communities through the dedication and passion of CESA leaders and alumni".