The first event, held on 13 March 2025, was a Men’s Conference specifically organised for newly enrolled male students residing on campus. The aim was to create a safe and supportive space where students could engage in open conversation as they adjust to university life.
Facilitated by floor representatives and mentors, the conference encouraged self-expression and peer support. Discussions centred on balancing academic and social life, mental health, personal hygiene, sexual health, and recognising abuse.
“The purpose of the event was to promote teamwork and collaboration by encouraging participants to share their experiences in group discussions. Floor representatives and mentors collaborated to encourage meaningful interactions, fostering a sense of community and mutual support,” said Director of Student Housing, Dr Nomvula Twaise.
She added that the initiative enabled first-year male students to build trust and understanding among themselves, creating a foundation for a supportive and inclusive residential environment.
“It helped students develop emotional awareness and communication skills by encouraging them to express their feelings and experiences. They also learned practical ideas for handling academic and social duties, gained a greater awareness of mental health and the need for hygiene, and studied the fundamentals of sexual health and abuse. They also learned to empathise with and encourage their peers.”
Building Community Through Friendly Competition
On 14 March 2025, UMP hosted a General Knowledge Quiz, an educational and interactive event where students from different residences competed in teams of five. Each participant selected a category - such as Sports, Entertainment, History and Politics, or Spelling - in which they felt most confident.
“During the event, participants were asked questions based on their chosen categories and had to write their answers individually on paper. No team discussions or assistance were allowed during the quiz to ensure fairness and accuracy,” explained Dr Twaise.
While answers were submitted individually, the event fostered collaboration in the planning and preparation stages.
“Team members had to work together to plan who would take which category based on their strengths. There was also a sense of unity and support as they represented their residence as one team.
Students developed a wide range of skills including time management and critical thinking under pressure.
Outside of the quiz, teammates encouraged one another, helped build each other’s confidence, and shared knowledge while preparing. The shared goal of winning for their residence strengthened their team spirit, even though the answers were given individually,” she said.
Participants developed a wide range of skills during the quiz, including time management and critical thinking under pressure.
“The event also helped them develop time management and critical thinking, especially under pressure. Since participants had to rely on their knowledge, the quiz also promoted confidence, independence, and staying calm and focused. For many, it was a great opportunity to challenge themselves academically outside of class.”
Supporting UMP’s Holistic Student Values
The two events aligned with UMP’s mission to nurture well-rounded and high-performing students. By tackling issues that impact both well-being and academic performance, the programmes helped reinforce the university’s values of integrity, respect, and inclusivity.
The Men’s Conference, in particular, created a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to voice their experiences and challenges. With peer mentors and student leaders guiding the sessions, participants engaged in cooperative problem-solving and shared personal strategies for managing the transition to university life.
“The supportive atmosphere and peer-led guidance served as a source of inspiration for students, motivating them to face challenges with confidence and resilience,” said Dr Twaise.
Story and Pictures Supplied.