The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has recently introduced the Engaged Citizenship Programme (ECP), designed to support students in gaining valuable experience that will prepare them for the job market.
Built on sustainable initiatives, the programme aims to empower students through education and community engagement, nurturing a sense of agency and enabling them to drive positive change in society. It fosters a deep sense of accountability among UMP students, inspiring them to contribute to the construction of a just, equitable, and compassionate society.
These initiatives aim to be reciprocal, supportive, and mutually beneficial, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and UMP's graduate attributes.
Chairperson of the ECP, Maqoba Thukwana explains, “Transformation is required to enforce a positive culture of the holistic development of staff and students. This transformation can be achieved by involving staff and students in engagement initiatives.”
Adding that the programme comprises two spheres, he elaborates, “There’s internal and external. Internally the staff and students are given the opportunity to volunteer for identified and registered organizations. The volunteers sign up for a minimum of one hour per week service, which will require them to attend a mandatory training session and participation in various activities.
External organizations that will be benefiting from the service of the students will register as programme partners, through an agreement, that will draw up a list of activities for the students under the guidance of a volunteer manager.”
Thukwana further notes that volunteering requires commitment, and participants will be required to attend 80% of activities throughout the year.
“When the students or staff sign up, they will commit themselves to a specific programme and follow the timetable drawn up for the activities. Students who participate in the project and fulfil the minimum criteria of participation will receive a certificate of participation in recognition of their contribution. These certificates can add value to the student’s CV as experience is gained.”
The ECP has a range of initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in the community. These include tutoring Grade 8 and 9 learners, providing study skills assistance, and offering high school tutoring in subjects such as Maths, Physical Science, and Accounting. The programmes also involve supporting various organizations by offering necessary assistance.
Students can contribute to care centres by helping with vegetable production and providing homework and reading support. Reading camps, facilitated through a Penreach initiative, create spaces where learners have access to books, and volunteers read to children or assist them with their reading.
Additionally, students with expertise in ICT can assist schools in need of such skills. Food gardens are established at schools to promote food security and information sharing. Exploring programmes at the Siyabuswa campus can inspire similar projects to be replicated across the campus.
The School Food Garden Project
One project run by the ECP is the School Food Garden project which aims to give back to the community and schools around Mbombela through agricultural training and practice.
Thukwana says, “We aim to achieve this through establishing and maintaining gardens in the schools to produce vegetables that will be utilized by the schools in their feeding schemes as well as reinstitute the understanding or appreciation of agriculture, and its related activities.”
The project was initiated in 2021 by Dr. Viljoen and supported by Mr. Mkhwanazi, with the active involvement of Bachelor of Agriculture students. Its primary objective was to establish a food gardening project at Portia Shabangu, Nelsville, and Valencia schools, focusing on achieving food security through sustainable practices. The project aimed to enhance the school feeding scheme and well-being of learners while raising awareness about the importance of agriculture and promoting sustainability and productivity.
It emphasized the significance of naturally grown food gardens as a means of sustaining life and ensuring food security. The project also aimed to provide valuable knowledge and experience to students while promoting sustainable agricultural practices across all five identified schools: Portia Shabangu, Nelsville, Valencia, Cyril Clarke, and John Mdluli.
“Students participating in this project will gain practical knowledge and skills in addition to their classroom learning, preparing them for the workplace. Active engagement in the project offers exposure to real-life scenarios. Those who participate at least 75% will receive a letter of recommendation, enhancing their employment prospects,” added Thukwana.
UMP Students and Staff members who wish to join the Engaged Citizenship programme and The School Food Garden project can contact, Mbali Mlondo on: 071 246 8838.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.